Iran shines at Hanoi Int’l Film Festival

Iranian filmmakers have achieved remarkable success at the 7th Hanoi International Film Festival (HANIFF) in Vietnam, clinching four awards, the most by any participating nation at the event.

This biennial festival, held on November 7-11, saw entries from 51 countries with a total of 117 films in competition.

According to IRNA, Iran's awards include best film, best director for both feature and short films, and best actor.

Majid-Reza Mostafavi’s film ‘Hard Shell’ earned three honors, winning the awards for best film, best director, and best actor for Peiman Maadi’s performance.

Additionally, Nasim Forough received the award for best director in the short film category for her film ‘The Typesetter’.

The Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam lauded the Iranian achievements, stating, “This number of awards highlights the maturity and prestigious standing of Iranian cinema on the global stage.”

He also expressed a desire for increased cinematic collaboration between Vietnam and Iran to bolster Vietnam’s film industry.

In the feature film category, ‘Hard Shell’ competed against entries from the US, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Estonia, Russia, South Korea, and Vietnam.

The (HANIFF) is a biennial event held in Hanoi, Vietnam, aiming to celebrate and promote global cinematic excellence while fostering cultural exchange and artistic collaboration among filmmakers worldwide.

Since its inception, the festival has provided a platform for emerging and established talents to showcase diverse storytelling styles and innovations in film.

By spotlighting films from various countries, the HANIFF seeks to enhance mutual understanding and appreciation of cultural uniqueness, support the growth of the Asian film industry, and position Vietnam as a dynamic hub for international cinematic arts.