Top Six Selections for 15th Farhang Short Film Festival Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Farhang Foundation Announces Top Six Official Selections For The 15th Annual Farhang Foundation Short Film Festival
Los Angeles, CA – September 17, 2024 – Farhang Foundation is thrilled to announce the top six official selections for the 15th Annual Farhang Foundation Short Film Festival, the only global film festival exclusively dedicated to celebrating Iranian short films. These six outstanding films are now in contention for the year’s top cash prizes of $10,000 for 1st place, $5,000 for 2nd place, and $3,000 for 3rd place.
The festival’s highly anticipated Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall, continuing its cherished collaboration with UCLA’s renowned Herb Alpert School of Music. The event begins at 6PM, and tickets are available online at Farhang.org or by contacting the UCLA Ticket Office at 310-825-2101. Each ticket includes access to the awards ceremony and the exclusive post-award afterparty with filmmakers featuring music by DJ Arin.
Hosting the event for the seventh consecutive year is the charismatic actress and comedian Melissa Shoshahi, while our special guest presenters include juror Ms. Lily Amir-Arjomand, the visionary founder of Iran’s influential Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults. Joining her is fellow juror, actress, theatre director and playwright Shabnam Tolouei (The Siren, Women Without Men, Red Rose) and actor/producer Armin Amiri (And Just Like That…, Dear Albert, The Wrestler, Septembers of Shiraz).
“We are incredibly proud to continue supporting and showcasing such diverse and compelling stories from Iranian filmmakers around the world,” said Mark Amin, Farhang Foundation Trustee and Festival Jury Chair. “These six films represent the talent and creativity of Iranian artists, and we’re excited to share their work with our audience.”
Since its inception, the Farhang Foundation Short Film Festival has awarded $270,000 in cash prizes to filmmakers from around the globe, with a significant number of recipients hailing from Iran. The festival continues to serve as a platform for Iranian filmmakers to gain international recognition and exposure.
Alireza Ardekani, Executive Director of Farhang Foundation, remarked, “Each year, we are continually inspired by the passion, creativity, and artistry that Iranian filmmakers bring to life on screen. This year’s selected films are no exception, and we’re eager for audiences to experience these outstanding works during the awards ceremony. Their stories not only reflect the diversity and richness of Iranian culture but also highlight the universal themes that resonate with viewers around the world.”
TOP SIX OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
THE DINNER PARTY
Directed by Neda Jebelli
An uptight mother’s perfectly planned party is jeopardized when street protests block the delivery of the centerpiece cake. As her plans unravel, the shifting dynamics within her household begin to mirror the larger political unrest outside. Drawing from director Neda Jebelli’s personal experiences during the 2009 Green Revolution in Tehran, the story explores how societal pressures and media portrayals seep into the domestic sphere, using the kitchen as a metaphor for the intersection of private and public turmoil.
DREAMLESS SLEEP
Directed by Foad Asadi
In a forest known for suicides, two men search for bodies to sell, but their plans are disrupted when they encounter a girl about to hang herself. This dilemma forces them to confront deeper questions. Inspired by Albert Camus’s The Myth of Sisyphus, the filmmaker reflects on existential struggles and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Through naturalistic storytelling and atmospheric techniques, the film explores the tension between despair and the freedom to create meaning, even if it’s an illusion.
THE GUARD
Directed by Amirhossein Shojaei
The film follows a security guard who refuses to act or put himself at risk in the face of danger. As he wanders the night, he looks for personal opportunities instead of fulfilling his duty. Inspired by years of living in a state of emotional and physical collapse, the filmmaker explores the moment when, in desperation, one seeks refuge in someone they barely know. Through the guard’s perspective, the film delves into the futility of trusting in false protectors and the dead-end situations that leave no visible escape, crushing any hope for improvement.
KAHROBA
Directed by Hajar Mehrani
Blending animation and puppet theater to tell the story of a young girl from southern Iran who defies oppressive traditions and refuses to remain silent. It highlights the struggle of Iranian women, who have long been forced into silence, but whose voices are now being heard more than ever. The film stands as a tribute to their resilience and determination in challenging outdated norms.
LEFT HANDED
Directed by Nasrin Mohammadpour
Maryam, a 38-year-old factory worker and sole provider for her family of four, is overwhelmed by the struggle to make ends meet. In a moment of desperation, she makes a drastic and life-altering decision at work, intending to support her family. However, this choice sets off a chain of unforeseen consequences, leaving her trapped in a situation she never expected, forced to confront an unpredictable and uncertain future.
SUITCASE
Directed by Saman Hosseinpuor and Ako Zandkarimi
In the heart of Tehran, far from his homeland, a Kurdish refugee clings to his red suitcase, a symbol of the memories of his beloved family. The suitcase is his only connection to the life he left behind. When, in the chaos of the city center, a stranger steals it, he experiences the devastating loss of his home for a second time, leaving him adrift in an unfamiliar and unforgiving world.
The Festival’s distinguished 2024 jury panel features luminaries from the world of cinema, stage, and television, including:
Lily Amir-Arjomand – The doyenne of Iranian art and culture, and the visionary founder of Iran’s Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon), instrumental in nurturing generations of Iranian artists and filmmakers.
Zar Amir – Acclaimed actress, director, and producer, widely recognized for her multifaceted performances. Zar Amir earned the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her portrayal in Holy Spider and recently starred in Shayda, winner of the Audience Award in World Cinema at Sundance. Her directorial debut, Tatami, co-directed with Oscar-winning filmmaker Guy Nattiv, is currently being showcased at prestigious international festivals.
Ahmad Kiarostami – Filmmaker and entrepreneur, founder of Docunight, a platform devoted to Iranian documentary cinema. He produced 24 Frames, the final film by his late father, Abbas Kiarostami, and the acclaimed documentary Coup 53.
Noora Niasari – Emerging filmmaker who made her directorial debut with Shayda, executive produced by Cate Blanchett. The film has won multiple awards and was Australia’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. Ms. Niasari was also nominated for the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Theatrical Feature Film at the 76th Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards.
Niousha Noor – Versatile actress with a strong presence in both Iranian and American cinema. She recently starred in the award-winning film The Persian Version and the Netflix series Kaleidoscope, and appeared alongside Shahab Hosseini in The Night.
Shabnam Tolouei – Renowned actress, playwright, and director, known for her rich background in theater and film. She has earned multiple awards, including Best Actress, Best Playwright, and Best Director at the prestigious International Fadjr Theatre Festival. She recently completed a successful North American stage tour of The Art of Improvisation.
About Farhang Foundation
Farhang Foundation is a member supported nonpolitical, nonreligious, and not-for-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the richness of Iranian art and culture for the betterment of society as a whole. With a singular mission at its core, the Foundation strives to preserve, nurture, and share the diverse heritage of Iran with the global community. Through steadfast commitment, the Foundation supports a wide array of academic, artistic, and cultural programs and initiatives, fostering collaborative partnerships with esteemed universities, renowned museums, and the vibrant world of performing arts. These partnerships enable the Foundation to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted aspects of Iranian culture and promote cross-cultural dialogue.
Media Contact:
Tannaz Guivi
Phone: 310-666-1546
Email: press@farhang.org
