During an Instagram Live session, Persia Educational Foundation’s Director was joined by Iranian-British journalist, filmmaker and human rights activist, Tara Aghdashlou, to announce the winners.  

A distinguished panel of judges reviewed the 100 nominations selected from among more than 1100 submissions from 90 countries in 15 different languages for this festival and cast their votes for winners in 14 different categories. In addition to Ms Aghdashlou, the judges include some of the brightest among established and emerging Iranian-descent artists, including Armin Amiri (HBO’s Just Like That), Necar Zadegan (NCIS: New Orleans), Pooneh Ghoddoosi (BBC), Nima Soofi (Qube Film), Isabella Djalili (Tiny Speck Productions), Elika Ashoori (British-Iranian actress & activist), Negar Mojtahedi (Global BC News), Ali Mashayekhi (Landed Entertainment) and Bijan Daneshmand (The Diplomat). 

The winners of the We Are One #Iran Short Film Festival are:

1. Best Iranian Film

The Bird Shot | Iran | Sara Salehi

2. Best Iranian Animated Film

The Melody of Loneliness (2022) | Iran | Samira Azimian 

3. Best International Film

Roman | France | Directors: Nina Calori, Valérie Piola Caselli

4. Best International Animated Film

Algeria Violet | Turkey | Emrah Yükselir 

5. Best Documentary Film

Yarmouk’s last poem | Iran | Kioumars Mohammadchenari

6. Best Director

Viva | Iran | Azam Shahdoost 

7. Best Actress

9 Hours with Hana | Iran | Aisan Riahi (actress name)

8. Best Screenplay

Lonely | Iran | Tahereh Fard & Elyas Askarpour

9. Best Production Design

Fond Anew | Russia | Andrew Krechetov

10. Best Original Music

Bisotun | Iran | Composer: Milad Movahedi 

11. Best Editing

Dazed | Iran | Sohrab Mohammadi 

12. Most Popular Short Film

Continuity | Iran | Director: Solmaz Nazari

13. Best Experimental Production

 I’m Pregnant with Time Here (2022) | Iran | Mohammad Hasani

14. Special Mention

Mother Father | Iran | Director: Elena Turkamand

Launched during the 16 Days of Activism in London, New York and San Francisco, Persia and its partners, Kayhan Life, Film Buzz Festival and The Courtauld Institute in London; The Bridge and Tunnel & The New School in New York; and the Diaspora Arts Connection in San Francisco are pleased to provide an opportunity to view the winners and nominations. 

Honouring the lives of Mahsa Jina Amini and other young Iranians, all proceeds from Vimeo viewings go to Persia Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund to support Iranian-descent students studying at UK universities.

For Press Queries:

London: To arrange interviews please email info@persia.education