TEHRAN – Iranian director Mikael Dayani’s short film “The Principal” won the Best Fiction award at the 18th Southampton Film Week: Shorts 2025, held in Southampton, UK from November 14th to 23rd.
In a statement released by the festival, it was announced that although the director did not attend the awards ceremony, his work made a lasting impression on the audience and the jury, Mair reported.
“The Principal” is the story of three high school girls who organize street protests. The principal became aware of their activities through social media. Recognizing the potential risks they face, she calls the students to her office and resolves to protect them.
She carefully removes any evidence related to the protests. When police arrived to investigate, the principal deleted the security camera footage and refused to hand it over. Taking full responsibility for protecting the students from punishment, she ultimately sacrificed herself and ended up being arrested in the place of the three students.
Southampton Film Week is a prominent festival in the south of England’s growing production scene. We provide opportunities for filmmakers through networking events, workshops and masterclasses, and introduce a diverse range of films to the public and industry. The festival screens a wide range of classic and contemporary British and international films, with a focus on films that are less accessible.
Its program includes features, shorts, documentaries, drama, music, artist works, and a youth film festival. Led by City Eye, Southampton Film Week supports emerging talent and film culture through education, production and screening.
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