Explore Tehran short fest winner: ‘A Short Film About Kids’

In a celebration of cinematic talent, the film ‘A Short Film About Kids’ has emerged victorious at the 41st Tehran International Short Film Festival.

Directed by Ibrahim Handal, this neo-realist short film follows a group of Palestinian children as they embark on a quest to see the sea for the first time.

The film was awarded the Golden Leaf and a cash prize of $2,000 as the best international film of the festival. Furthermore, it has been selected to compete in the short film category for the Academy Awards.

The film portrays some children, who, set against the backdrop of their homeland, try to cross borders by disguising themselves as tourists.

As they work to gather funds for their journey, they soon realize they also need visas, leading them to confront a physical wall they did not anticipate.

So, they decide to create their own "sea" by building a pool in their neighborhood.

The film emphasizes the spirit of these young heroes, who, despite facing physical and emotional barriers, manage to build a dream that transcends their limitations.

Before its success at the Tehran International Short Film Festival, ‘A Short Film About Kids’ made its mark at other film events recognized by the Academy, including the Tampere Film Festival in Finland and the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France.

It has also been featured in numerous international festivals, including the Short Shorts Film Festival in Japan, the Indy Shorts Festival in the US, and the International Short Film Festival of Izmir in Turkey.

This accolade marks the film's second award from Academy-recognized festivals, following its earlier win at the 2024 Norway International Short Film Festival for best international film.

Additionally, it received the Best Short Film Award at the BFI London Film Festival 2024, further solidifying its reputation on the global stage.

As the film continues to garner acclaim, it serves as a reminder of the resilience of young voices, particularly in context of the Palestinian narratives.

The Tehran International Short Film Festival celebrates such stories and reaffirms the importance of showing diverse perspectives through the art of filmmaking.