Tehran – Four Iranian short films are currently competing in the 30th edition of the ongoing Encounters Film Festival in Bristol, England.
“Black Scarf” by Alireza Shah-Hosseini, “Razeh Del” by Maryam Tafakory, “Pear Garden” by Shadab Shayegan and “Night of Passauli” by Reza Rasouli will be displayed on screen in various sections of the festival, which runs until September 28th.
In “Black Scarf,” a dedicated teacher spends his final days in a distant, abandoned village. When his students gather around him, they unexpectedly demand special favors that will change their lives.
“Razeh Del” is jointly produced by Iran, Italy and the UK. The 2024 film, 27 minutes, is two girls who sent a letter to the first women’s newspaper in Iran in 1998, titled “Zan.” While waiting for publication, they thought of making an impossible film. Using quotation and image interventions, “Razeh del” travels through the parallel history of war on the image of women.
Piergarden, a joint Iranian-German production company, is about six years old Lily, and visits her grandma after surgery. At night she notices the shadow of a grandma near a tree with a rare fruity pod. Curious, she takes some seeds from the tree and gently places them on the scars of her grandma, hoping that they will heal her and feel better.
In “Night of Passage,” three Tehran friends are left near the Austrian border by smugglers, and they must spend the night in the Slovakian forest until the next vehicle arrives. Despite the dangers and difficulties of their journey, their hope for a better future continues to drive them forward. As the night unfolds, they face unexpected, life-changing events that test resilience and unity. The story captures their struggle and resolve as they navigate the uncertainty of their dangerous passages and highlight the unpredictability of hope, survival and destiny.
Encounters is a globally renowned short film festival held every September, and is held along the picturesque harborside of Bristol, the city of UNESCO films. Recognised as a qualifying event for the BAFTA, BIFA and the European Film Awards, the encounter attracts filmmakers and enthusiasts from around the world.
Rooted in Bristol’s tradition of radical independence, the festival is proud to be inclusive and welcoming. Encounters cultivate a community united by a shared love for film and creativity.
Founded in 1995 to mark the cinema’s centenary, the festival grows to showcase thousands of innovative and deprived works, supporting emerging talent along the way. The alumni include visionary filmmakers such as Dennis Villeneuve, Lynn Ramsay, Langano Nyoni, Julia Ducluenau, Charlotte Wells, Reuben Ostrand, Joachim Trier, Molly Manning Walker and Rado Jude.
The festival’s programme features inspiring talks from industry leaders, including past keynote speakers Hayao Miyazaki, Ray Harryhausen, Andrea Arnold, and Matt Groening.
Rather than just a cinema celebration, encounters are a vibrant space where accidental encounters and spontaneous conversations have led to countless creative collaborations.
Photo: Alireza Shah-Hosseini’s “Black Scarf” scene
sab/