IDFA pours awards down Iran docs

The 32nd edition of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) has awarded three Iranian documentary films.

The IDFA Award for Best Directing went to Iranian filmmaker Mehrdad Oskouee for his film ‘Sunless Shadows’.

The jury was very impressed by the director’s approach to a pressing subject which he skillfully turns into a metaphor for a whole country.

“In a truthful commitment to documentary realism, the director portrays the complexity and tragedy of the characters’ condition and their haunting stories, while challenging notions such as freedom, safety, and love,” noted by the jury.

‘Sunless Shadows’ was also selected as the IDFA 2019 opening film. The film’s participation in the Dutch event marked its first international appearance.

The documentary narrates the story of five young women who are jailed in a small juvenile detention center for murder.

Through breathtaking monologues, the women clarify the circumstances of the murders and even their motives.

The IDFA Award for Best Children’s Documentary went also to Iran director Jafar Najafi for ‘Asho’. The 30-minute doc was screened at the IDFA Competition for Kids & Docs.

Produced by Maryam Naqibi, ‘Asho’ is about a shepherd boy who is obsessed with Hollywood movies and wants to become an actor.

The IDFA Award for Best Mid-Length Documentary was also awarded to Jalal Vafaee from Iran for ‘Anticlockwise’.

IDFA announced the winners of the competition programs during the IDFA 2019 Awards Ceremony at Eye Film Museum.

The winner of the VPRO IDFA Audience Award will be announced on Friday, November 29th. The International Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) continues until Sunday, December 1st.

The IDFA “offers an independent and inspiring meeting place for audiences and professionals to see a diverse and high-quality program.”

MM/FM