Tehran – The Iranian short film “Under the Shady Oak,” written and directed by Hossein Arahiyali, received a special mention of the best fiction film section on the 22nd at the Palace International Short Film Festival held at the Pernik Cultural Palace in Pernik, Bulgaria, from June 28th to July 5th.
“Through powerful visuals and an unforgettable atmosphere, the film captures and personal resonates with the universal tension of family and heritage. It evokes the immersive experience of sensation “under the suspicious orc” and uses powerful symbolism to convey durability, sacrifice, and average intergenerational bonds. ”
The 2024 production, Under Shady Oak, is a historic film set against the backdrop of harsh mountain conditions. The story follows the journey of nomadic tribes among people, exploring their culture, challenges and resilience in a robust landscape. Through its compelling story, the film delves into the lives of its characters and highlights their struggles and traditions within a rich historical context, Irna reported.
The 28-minute fiction depicts a nomadic tribe of Iranian indigenous people, travelling in harsh snowy conditions and facing violent storms and blizzards. Lohrsab must decide whether to save a father or wife and son, in a difficult choice. According to nomadic tribe customs, he entrusts his father to nature by placing him in a shelter.
Amin Sherbaf, Fatholah Taheri, Yousef Safari Bakhtiari, Parham Gholamloo, Morteza Alidadi, Sepas Rezai and Sima Sadeghi are on the cast.
“Under The Shady Oak” was a major winner at the 41st Tehran International Short Film Festival (TISFF), held in October 2024. He participated in the national section of the festival and won four awards. Arahiyari won the Golden Leaf Award for his best film and best original script. Additionally, the film won a Golden Leaf Award for best sound editing and sound mixing.
Hossein Allahyari is an independent Iranian film director and screenwriter. After completing his master’s degree in the cinema major at Tarbiat Modares University, he began his career as an assistant director, working with a well-known Iranian filmmaker.
Additionally, Arahiyari also wrote scripts and directed theatres and short films. His short films, “A Mirror” and “The Whimper and the Encession,” have won awards at the International Film Festival.
Founded in 2003, In The Palace International Short Film Festival is a premiere event exclusively for short films, new media and digital arts. Originally founded as a competitive platform for student filmmakers, the festival has evolved into a respected venue that presents the work of both emerging artists and veteran experts. Bulgaria’s only festival focuses on this segment of modern culture, and stands out as it is one of the oldest short film forums in the Balkans.
The festival is recognized as a qualifying festival for famous awards including the Goya Awards, The Student Academy Awards and Academy Awards (Oscars). He is also a member of an international network known as the Short Film Conference, which supports the short film sector.
In addition to focusing on short films and digital arts, Palace International Short Film Festival also features competitive programs for feature films and film series, enriching its offering to a diverse audience.
Traditionally, the festival runs over a week, offering a wide range of events, activities and programs for both the local and international film industry and audience. It is the point of cultural encounters between the film industry, artists, students, educational institutions, and the general public, providing access to the latest trends, development and learning in arts and culture through screenings, training and interdisciplinary exchanges.
Photo: Scene from “Shady Oak’s Under”
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