Tehran – Three Iranian films have been selected to compete in the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) to be held in China from June 13th to 22nd.
“Part of the Land,” directed by Nima Mahdian Asl, “Dead in the Water,” and “The Daughter,” by Leila Hekmatnia and Pouria Kakavand, are three Iranian films on display at SIFF.
“Part of the Land” exists in the documentary category, along with films from Mexico, China, Spain and Laos.
The “Part of the Land” produced by the Documentary, Experiment, and Animation Film Center (DEFC) tells the life story of a woman.
The film was screened at Cinema Verite 2024, the 18th Iranian International Documentary Film Festival, and won a special award from the beginning of the festival for its main character. Additionally, Mardian won the Crystal Simoog Award at the 43rd FAJR International Film Festival in 2025.
The live-action short film competition features 10 entries from around the world. “Dead in the Water” competes with Chinese, French, Portuguese, Peru, Spanish and Mexican films.
Hekmatnia’s drama deals with social issues. After a period of drought, a lonely woman in the village hires two workers who illegally migrated and dug a well for her, hoping to keep the farm alive.
However, when the well finally reaches the water, the buyer of last year’s product refuses to pay her, and the woman finds herself in a difficult position, unable to pay the workers she hires. Fearing the anger of the workers, she makes an unexpected decision.
Nasrin Derakhshanzadeh, Navid Bani, and Samir Heyran performed in the 19-minute film produced in 2024.
Kakavand’s films will take part in the new Talent Competition section of Asia, highlighting emerging filmmakers with 12 titles. “Daughter” will compete for the top prize along with Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Sri Lanka and the Philippines films.
At the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, 49 films compete in five categories. This year’s edition sets new records, with the competition section showing a noticeable increase in entries from the US and Africa, with over 2,800 submissions from 119 countries and regions.
The international ju umpire is made up of 21 members from Asia, Africa, America and Europe, with Oscar-winning Italian director Giuseppetrnatore, the president of the main contest as judge.
Founded in 1993, the Shanghai International Film Festival is China’s only competitive film festival approved by FIAPF.
Alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival, SIFF has long served as a springboard for Chinese films and emerging Asian talent.
SIFF focuses on awards, markets, forums and film exhibitions to build an international platform and promote the development of the Chinese film industry.
The Golden Goblet Award is one of the most prestigious honors at the Shanghai International Film Festival. The festival hosts five competitive categories of this award. It’s the main competition, new talent in Asia, documentaries, animations, short films.
SS/SAB