Yazd’s Storytelling Festival Celebrates and Crowns the Best Talents in Narrative Art
The 26th International Storytelling Festival, organized by Iran’s Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA), has successfully concluded in Yazd. This highly anticipated event aimed to promote storytelling and discover emerging talents in the art of narration. With participants from Iran and eight other countries, the festival showcased the rich tapestry of storytelling traditions.
The closing ceremony not only celebrated the winners across various categories but also featured lively music and heartfelt tributes. A special highlight was the recognition of veteran storyteller Maryam Nashiba, who has dedicated decades to advancing the fields of storytelling, culture, and literature.
Winners Across Categories
The festival presented awards in multiple categories, recognizing exceptional storytellers based on age and style. Below are the key winners in various sections:
- International Section and Traditional Classic for Grandparents:
- Hassan Jafari (East Azarbaijan)
- Hamideh Abrishami (South Khorasan)
- Soghara Khajoinejad (Kerman)
- Traditional Classic (Ages 17 and Above):
- Zeinab Rajabi (Yazd)
- Faezeh Khosravi (Kerman)
- Fatemeh Mohammadi (Qazvin)
- Honorable Mention: Djuma Kadjudja (Congo)
- Traditional Classic (Ages 12 to 17):
- Mohammad Taha Etemadian (Yazd)
- Kiarash Rahbari (Semnan)
- Modern and Innovative Storytelling (Ages 17 and Above):
- Ali Kalout (Lebanon)
- Armaghan Sadat Hosseini (Qazvin)
- Mahdieh Keshvari Moqadam (Yazd)
- Hadi Rafiei (Zanjan)
- Modern and Innovative Storytelling (Ages 12 to 17):
- Fatemeh Sadat Mirzababai (Yazd)
- Traditional Ritual Storytelling:
- Sara Hosseini (Hamedan)
- Sahar Keikhai Javan (Sistan-Baluchestan)
- Seyyed Ali Mousavi (Yazd)
- Traditional Ritual Storytelling (Ages 12 to 17):
- Fatemeh Mousavi Hakimabadi (Khorasan Razavi)
- Iman Qasemi (Isfahan)
- Sarina Seifi (Tehran)
- Storytelling with Sign Language:
- Marzieh Aqakhani (Alborz)
- Zeinab Sabbagh (Tehran)
- Leila Arzhangi (Tehran)
- Sacrifice and Resistance Storytelling:
- Fatemeh Bahrani (Yazd)
- Naimeh Bidmeshki-Yazdi (Yazd)
- Maryam Mehdipour (Alborz)
- Sacrifice and Resistance Storytelling (Ages 12 to 17):
- Sayda Sabzevari (Ilam)
- Tahoura Mahzadeh (Khorasan Razavi)
The theme of the 26th International Storytelling Festival was “The Secret of Stories Shapes Life.” This year’s event was judged by prominent literary figures and storytelling experts who ensured that the awards reflected the highest standards of storytelling excellence. Winners received cash prizes, trophies, and unique opportunities to participate in both national and international storytelling programs.
The festival not only highlighted individual achievements but also emphasized the importance of storytelling as a cultural practice that shapes societies and connects generations. As storytelling continues to evolve, events like the International Storytelling Festival play a crucial role in nurturing talent and preserving cultural heritage.
Photo: Veteran Iranian storyteller Maryam Nashiba receives recognition at the closing ceremony of the 26th International Storytelling Festival in Yazd, on February 18, 2025.
