TEHRAN – The Iranian feature film “My Daughter’s Hair”, directed by Hessam Farahmand, won the top prize at the 23rd Alice Nella Citta Film Festival held in Rome, Italy from October 15th to 26th.
The 110-minute film, also known as “Raha,” won the Best Picture award at the festival’s closing ceremony on Sunday, Honalon Line reported.
Produced by Saeed Qaani, the drama follows a family struggling in a volatile economy. Tohid, his wife and children lead an average life. Until a very simple event shattered their life story.
Tohid buys a used laptop with the money he earns from selling his daughter’s hair, which brings him temporary joy. However, a conflict soon arises with a wealthy family over the true ownership of the laptop. As tensions rise, Tohid is faced with a harsh reality that will forever change his life and the future of his family, forcing him to fight for what is truly important.
This 2025 film delves into the hidden struggles of everyday people. Inspired by real-life experiences, the director has sought to create authentic characters who navigate a world where justice is uncertain and choices shape destiny. The film combines poetic visuals and social realism to deliver a story that resonates across borders.
The cast includes Shahab Hosseini, Ghazal Shakeri, Zoha Esmailifal, Arman Mirzee, Hadi Eftekharzadeh, Mohammad Reza Samian, and Mani Mehrpur.
Alice Nella Citta is an international film festival dedicated to debut films, new talents and new generations. The festival promotes film culture to a large audience, especially young people, through a rich program of screenings, meetings with film industry delegations and experts, activities and workshops.
The festival aims to be a global laboratory that provides a year-round educational platform for tomorrow’s audiences. As in previous years, the festival will feature schools, children and teenagers as judges and will follow an official program consisting of the most relevant titles for young people.
The general program consists of competitive and non-competitive divisions, special activities, and large-scale events aimed at national and international film schools.
Alice Nella Citta promotes the idea of meeting face-to-face with the public and the greats of cinema, both in front of and behind the camera.
Photo: Actress Ghazal Shakeri (left) and producer Saeed Khani attend the closing ceremony of the 23rd Alice Nella Citta on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy.
SS/SAB
