Iran’s Fajr Film Festival honors cinematic excellence in grand finale
43rd edition wraps up in Tehran with top awards celebrating Iranian filmmakers’ artistic vision
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) – The 43rd Fajr Film Festival concluded in a celebratory atmosphere at Tehran’s Milad Tower Convention Center, recognizing the finest achievements in Iranian cinema.
The festival showcased the nation’s creative prowess, defying the notion that Iran’s film industry is constrained by conservative and authoritarian rule.
Leading the winners was Call Me Ziba, directed by Rasoul Sadr Ameli and produced by Maziar Hashemi, which took home the coveted Best Film award, earning praise for its artistic and cinematic brilliance.
Ebrahim Hatamikia’s historical epic Prophet Moses dominated the festival, securing five Crystal Simorgh awards for Best Supporting Actor, Costume Design, Art Direction, Makeup, and Visual Effects, underscoring its technical and artistic excellence.
Other standout films included People’s Child, directed by Mahmoud Karimi, which earned accolades for Best New Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing.
Meanwhile, North from Southwest, helmed by Hamid Zargarnejad, received recognition in three major categories—Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography—further highlighting the diverse storytelling and craftsmanship emerging from Iran’s film industry.
The festival also spotlighted new voices in cinema, with Saeed Khani’s Raha winning the Best First Film Award, marking a significant career milestone for the producer.
In the short film category, Soheila Pourmohammadi received an Honorary Diploma for Literary Adaptation for Kuti, while the Crystal Simorgh for Best Short Film went to Nadereh Sadat Seraki’s Claimant, celebrating innovation in short-form storytelling.
Documentaries played a vital role at the festival, with Nima Mahdian’s A Handful of Dust securing the Best Director award and Jafar Sadeghi’s The Apprentice winning Best Documentary Film, highlighting Iran’s rich non-fiction storytelling tradition.
In the animation segment, Dolphin Boy 2, directed by Mohammad Amin Hamedani and Mohammad Kheirandish, was named Best Animation, reinforcing the growing presence of Iranian animators on the global stage.
The festival’s conclusion marked another milestone in Iranian cinema, reaffirming its role as a powerful cultural force and a platform for artistic expression.
With its celebration of talent and creativity, the Fajr Film Festival continues to elevate Iran’s film industry on the international stage.
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