Culture

Iranian Documentary ‘The Granny & Fishes’ Set to Shine at Big Sky Film Festival

January 20, 2025January 22, 2025

Get ready for an exciting showcase of international cinema as a remarkable Iranian documentary, “The Granny & Fishes,” is set to make its mark at the 22nd Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Montana, USA. Scheduled from February 14 to 23, this festival is a premier platform for non-fiction films, attracting filmmakers and audiences alike.

Directed and produced by the talented duo Maria Mavati and Ehsan Farokhi Fard, “The Granny & Fishes” is a captivating 28-minute film that will have its international debut at this prestigious event. The documentary has already gained recognition by winning the Golden Leaf for Best Documentary at the 41st Tehran International Short Film Festival (TISFF) last October.

The film tells the poignant story of an elderly woman who has lived in solitude for many years after the Hamoon lagoon dried up. Each day, she ventures out to retrieve dried fish from the parched lagoon, her life profoundly impacted by dust storms that engulf the nearby, now abandoned, 300 villages.

The Granny & Fishes is produced by the Documentary, Experimental and Animation Film Center (DEFC), a prominent institution dedicated to fostering documentary filmmaking in Iran.

About the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is widely recognized as the premier venue for non-fiction film in the American West. With a legacy spanning 22 years in 2025, the festival attracts an impressive audience of 20,000 film enthusiasts and showcases entries from filmmakers across the globe in a charming mountain town atmosphere that reflects local Montana culture.

Here are some key highlights of the festival:

Over 200 visiting artists participate each year.
Averages around 150 non-fiction films are screened.
Engaging events take place throughout downtown Missoula, Montana.
Offers DocShop, a five-day industry event featuring panels, master classes, and workshops.

One of the festival’s unique features is its outreach initiative, where films are screened in schools across Montana, reaching over 4,000 students in just four days. This initiative allows filmmakers to engage directly with students, presenting their works and facilitating discussions that inspire and educate.

Academy Qualification and Awards

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is an officially recognized qualifying event for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, specifically for short-form documentaries. Winning films in the Best Mini-Doc and Best Short Documentary categories automatically qualify for consideration for a Documentary Short Oscar in the following year.

With its commitment to showcasing diverse voices and powerful stories, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival not only celebrates the art of documentary filmmaking but also serves as a vital meeting point for industry professionals to network and collaborate.

As “The Granny & Fishes” prepares for its anticipated premiere, it adds to the rich tapestry of narratives that the festival is known to present. Both the filmmakers and the audience are sure to be inspired by the resilience and creativity that documentaries like this bring to light.

Mark your calendars for this year’s festival and experience the magic of documentary filmmaking through the lens of talented creators like Maria Mavati and Ehsan Farokhi Fard. The stories shared at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival are not just films; they are windows into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of people from all walks of life.

Culture

Palestinian Filmmaker Abdallah Motan Arrested Without Trial: A Call for Justice

January 25, 2025January 25, 2025

Palestinian filmmaker Abdallah Motan has been in administrative detention since January 13, 2023, arrested by Israeli authorities without trial or charges. His case has garnered attention from organizations like Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), concerned for his welfare. At 30, Motan is recognized for his documentary work, including his award-winning film “Deferred Reclaim.” He was detained while attempting to travel to the UAE and is currently held at Gush Etzion detention facility, criticized for poor conditions. Advocacy groups are calling for his release, highlighting the broader trend of targeting artists in Palestine, which undermines freedom of expression and cultural engagement.

Sci & Tech

Iranian Innovators Unveil Nano Diagnostic Kit for Quick Heart Attack Detection

January 10, 2025January 21, 2025

Iranian company Zist Tashkhis Sanjeh has developed innovative nano-based diagnostic kits capable of rapidly detecting troponin levels in the blood, crucial for swift heart attack diagnosis. Traditional methods involve lengthy lab processes, but these new kits can yield results in emergency settings, such as ambulances, significantly speeding up treatment and improving patient outcomes. The company has partnered with Tehran’s emergency services to implement these kits, enhancing diagnostic efficiency and survival rates. This advancement highlights Iran’s growing role in the global healthcare market, emphasizing the importance of rapid diagnostics in managing critical conditions like heart attacks.

Culture

Culture Minister Advocates for Transparency as Key to Achieving Cultural Justice

January 12, 2025January 20, 2025

At a recent press conference, Iranian Minister of Culture Seyyed Abbas Salehi emphasized the importance of transparency and media in shaping cultural policies. In his first media appearance, he outlined initiatives promoting democratization, cultural justice, and transparency, including the establishment of a transparency committee. Addressing concerns about the absence of certain acclaimed films from the Fajr Film Festival, he affirmed adherence to screening regulations. Salehi also announced a new National Music Policy Document aimed at diversifying music genres and supporting emerging artists. He expressed concerns over rising book prices and advocated for cultural collaborations with neighboring countries to enhance exchanges.

Culture

Discover Gabriele Mandel’s Groundbreaking Book on Islamic Art Now Available in Persian!

January 21, 2025January 22, 2025

The Persian translation of “How to Recognize Islamic Art” by Gabriele Mandel has been released and is now available in Iranian bookstores. Translated by Pejman Dadkhah and Maryam Miri, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to the intricate history of Islamic art, tracing its origins from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the 7th century. It explores the geographical spread of Islamic art across West Asia, North Africa, Spain, and India, and highlights key features such as architectural elements, artistic influences, and various art forms. This significant work enriches the understanding of Islamic artistic heritage for Persian-speaking audiences.

Culture

Iranian Cinema Shines at Poland’s Zoom-Zblizenia Festival: A Showcase of Cultural Brilliance

January 29, 2025January 29, 2025

Six Iranian films will be featured at the 28th International Film Festival Zoom-Zblizenia in Jelenia Góra, Poland, from March 3 to 9. The event highlights independent cinema and showcases global storytelling. Competing films include “Haze Over,” which explores themes of guilt and reconciliation; “Blur,” about a woman easing her husband’s grief; “Inside the Skin,” focusing on a young athlete’s secret; “The Mold,” depicting a father’s struggles; “Oscar,” emphasizing family dynamics; and “Alone Together,” following a boy’s solitary bus journey. This festival underscores the richness of Iranian cinema and its artistic contributions to the global film landscape.

Culture

Ruholamin Celebrates Father’s Day with Stunning New Painting Reveal!

January 15, 2025January 21, 2025

On January 14, 2023, Iranian artist Hassan Ruholamin unveiled a digital painting honoring National Father’s Day and the birthday of Imam Ali (AS), featuring him with the Zulfiqar sword. Ruholamin, known for capturing Imam Ali’s historical narratives, has created notable works like “The Conqueror of Khaybar” and a mural celebrating Eid al-Ghadir. His poignant piece “The Candle of Bayt al-Mal” illustrates Imam Ali prioritizing public service over personal interests. Ruholamin’s extensive collection, particularly focused on Ashura, reflects themes of justice and sacrifice, connecting contemporary audiences with Islamic history while ensuring the legacy of these revered figures endures.