Iranian cinema continues to act as an international force. The annual Farhang Foundation Short Film Festival highlights this thriving film industry and the pool of talented filmmakers worldwide who focus on Iranian culture and heritage themes. Since 2009, the festival has awarded $216,000 to filmmakers worldwide, including many from Iran.
The film festival is devoted to fostering cultural understanding and awareness of Iranian art and culture. It has also become a launching pad for filmmakers who have since produced feature films and other larger projects after participating in the festival.
“After having to regretfully cancel the 2020 film festival as the result of the global pandemic, we were more determined than ever to push forward in holding this year’s competition, and the resulting pool of original and creative films was incredibly impressive. This year’s finalists are a true testament to the amazing talent that exists amongst Iranian filmmakers,” said Mark Amin, Farhang Foundation Vice Chairman and Jury Chair.
This year’s award ceremony returns after a one-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, and it will be presented to a worldwide audience online free for the very first time in the festival’s history.
The top six official selections cover various genres, including narrative drama, experimental, and animation. As a group, they reveal a culture rich in film and storytelling. “Every year, we are so proud of all the brilliant filmmakers who participate in our annual competition, and it is such a thrill to be able to put a spotlight on their great works,” said Alireza Ardekani, Executive Director of Farhang Foundation. “This year’s top six films represent some of the strongest and most compelling films by these talented international filmmakers.”
