Spotlight on 7 Iranian Films at Russia’s International Festival of Children’s and Family Cinema
In an exciting showcase for Iranian cinema, seven remarkable films are representing the country at the XII International Festival of Children’s and Family Films, known as “Zero Plus,” currently taking place in Siberia, Russia. This festival is a unique platform that highlights high-quality films aimed at children and families, fostering creativity and essential values. Below, we provide an overview of the Iranian films featured in this prestigious festival.
The Iranian films include:
- Snowy Summer – Directed by Setayesh Sasani Nejad
- Being Ten – Directed by Fatemeh Jafari
- Tomorrow Is Not Like Today – Directed by Seyyed Mahdi Karbasi
- Memory – Directed by Fereshte (Sonya) Fardipur
- Eraser – Directed by Mohammad Hasan Emadi
- Silently – Directed by Sahar Mahmudi
- Playground – Directed by Samaneh Asadi
Among these films, “Snowy Summer”, a feature film produced in 2025, tells a poignant story about a boy with Down syndrome who is left without a family. The narrative follows his daring attempt to escape from a private boarding school for special children, as he seeks to carve out a new life for himself.
“Being Ten”, produced in 2023, is a short animated film that explores the unique bond between a father and his ten-year-old son living in isolation within a dense forest. The father, a hunter, makes a life-changing decision to spare one of his prey and brings it home as a gift. This seemingly innocent act transforms the boy’s life in unexpected ways.
In the 2024 short film “Tomorrow Is Not Like Today”, we meet Hossein and Reza, two fifth-grade friends at Isar State Elementary School. A joyful moment in physical education class leads to a surprising conflict involving their teacher, Mr. Ahmadi. However, the storyline reveals deeper complexities beyond the initial quarrel.
“Memory”, another 2024 production, follows the story of Saeid, a ten-year-old boy who faces significant repercussions due to a lie he tells, demonstrating the weight of honesty and accountability.
The 2025 short film “Eraser” introduces Sohrab, a notorious bully in his school. After a classroom accident for which he is blamed, Sohrab unexpectedly becomes the hero of the situation, leading to a path of redemption and transformation into a better person.
In “Silently”, also produced in 2025, we are introduced to Aysan, a hearing-impaired boy grappling with a stressful life. When he becomes the target of blame for an incident at school, his fears prevent him from speaking out and defending himself, bringing attention to the challenges faced by those with disabilities.
Lastly, the 2022 animated short “Playground” tells the story of a young girl whose illness and the dullness of hospital life leave her feeling despondent. However, her spirits are lifted when she receives a very special toy, showcasing the power of imagination and joy.
The International Children’s and Family Film Festival “Zero Plus” aims to promote and celebrate high-quality films that instill a positive, creative, and formative worldview in children and young audiences. The festival emphasizes core human values such as family, childhood, friendship, kindness, and a love for nature and professions.
Additionally, the festival plays a vital role in integrating cinema and education by curating a collection of value-oriented films that can be screened in schools and social institutions across Russia. This initiative not only entertains but also educates, encouraging a well-rounded development for the younger generation.
Launched on October 5, the 12th edition of the “Zero Plus” international film festival is set to conclude on October 27. The festival presents a valuable opportunity for Iranian filmmakers to showcase their talent and engage with a broader audience, contributing to the global conversation around children’s and family cinema.
As the festival progresses, it highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping young minds and nurturing a sense of empathy and understanding through the lens of cinema.
Photo: A scene from the short animation “Being Ten” directed by Fatemeh Jafari.
