Iranian Cinema Shines: Two Short Films Capture Five Awards at Kraken International Film Festival
Two remarkable short films from Iran have made a significant impact at the 2025 Kraken International Film Festival (KIFF), earning a total of five prestigious awards. This year’s festival, held in the picturesque city of Milan, Italy, showcased films that tackled critical social issues, particularly focusing on women’s rights, poverty, and human trafficking.
The winning Iranian films were “In an Impasse,” directed by Navid Ghiasi, and “The Steak” by Kiarash Dadgar. These films not only captivated audiences but also garnered accolades that highlight their powerful narratives and artistic achievements.
The KIFF is renowned for its commitment to exploring the depths of storytelling. This season, the festival provided a platform for women’s stories, which often go unheard, bringing attention to their struggles and triumphs.
Awards for Iranian Films
“In an Impasse” emerged as a standout at the event, winning four awards, which included:
- Best First Time Filmmaker
- Best Produced Screenplay
- Best Women Film
- Diversity Spotlight Excellence Award
Meanwhile, “The Steak” achieved recognition as well, winning the award for Best Director of Short Film.
Synopsis of “In an Impasse”
The film “In an Impasse” follows the story of Sara, a young woman caught in a dire situation. Her mother is in the hospital, requiring urgent surgery to survive. With no support in sight, Sara faces a daunting challenge to raise the necessary funds for her mother’s treatment. In her desperation, she resorts to stealing from a luxury jewelry store.
This gripping storyline brings to light the desperate measures individuals may resort to in times of crisis, illustrating the profound impact of financial strain on families.
The talented cast includes:
- Azita Karimi
- Mohammad Hosseininia
- Bahar Farrokhi
- Sahar Kimiaei
- Khadijeh Amini
- Elaheh Sarouei
Synopsis of “The Steak”
In contrast, “The Steak” is an eight-minute drama set against a backdrop of warfare. The film depicts a seemingly ordinary day as a mother prepares a cake and food to celebrate her daughter’s birthday. However, the tranquility is shattered when enemy soldiers launch a surprise attack. In a race against time, the mother hides her daughter in a closet to protect her.
Tragically, the soldiers discover the mother and kill her, leaving the young girl alone. A medic soldier, discovering the girl, attempts to bring joy to her amidst the chaos by trying to celebrate her birthday. Yet, the day transforms from a celebration into a somber funeral.
The cast for “The Steak” features:
- Faranak Khamis
- Amin Simiar
- Panisa Peyvakht
About the Kraken International Film Festival
The Kraken International Film Festival is a prestigious seasonal and annual competition held in the heart of Milan, one of the world’s most enchanting cities. The festival distinguishes itself by not only awarding filmmakers with certificates endorsed by industry professionals but also offering monetary prizes—a feature that sets it apart from many other festivals.
The cash prize serves as an essential incentive, providing filmmakers with the means to generate income from their hard work or fund their next creative project.
Looking Ahead
The next annual event is scheduled for early February 2026. All seasonal winners will automatically qualify for the annual competition, where the final winners will receive additional monetary prizes. A limited selection of winning films will be screened, with announcements made one month before the event.
Conclusion
The KIFF is more than just a film festival; it is a vibrant celebration of untold stories and a journey into the heart of storytelling that challenges perceptions and evokes deep emotional responses. The festival organizers are dedicated to uplifting cinematic gems from obscurity, welcoming all genres that resonate with audiences on a profound level.
As the festival continues to grow, it remains a beacon for filmmakers and audiences alike, encouraging the exploration of important social themes through the powerful medium of film.
