Iranian doc ‘Asho’ competing in Belgium

Iranian documentary ‘Asho’ has been competing at the 12th edition of the Millennium Documentary Film Festival (MDFF) in Belgium.

Directed by Jafar Najafi, the 30-minute documentary narrates the story of a boy, Asho, who shepherds a flock of sheep.

Asho’s biggest dream is to become a Hollywood star. Hi is under the influence of the Hollywood films that his cousin brought him.

The 30-minute doc has so far received many awards, including the special mention at the International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film - DOK Leipzig in Germany, Lessina Silver for Best Short Film at the Film Festival Della Lessinia in Italy, and International Short Film Jury award at the DOQUMENTA International Documentary Film Festival in Mexico.

Best International Short Film Award at the Fribourg International Film Festival in Germany and Best Short Film award at the Sevastopol International Festival of Documentary Films and TV Programs “Won Together” in Russia are also among the honors achieved by ‘Asho’.

The MDFF showcases films that make audience to reflect on their relationship to the world. The festival focuses on the major challenges of the 21st century.

The festival was held annually in March, but this edition of the event is being held in October due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the MDFF’s official website, “The Festival is back as promised, just in time to help revive Brussels’ cultural life with several novelties: A hybrid edition with more than 15 online films accessible only to the Belgian public (places are limited to 300), more than 50 films in 5 different cinemas.”

The 2020 edition of the event started on October 16 and will continue until October 25.

PR/MG