Iran’s ‘Here My Village’ wins big at Indian SIFFCY

The 5th Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) in India has presented several awards to Iranian title ‘Here My Village’.

Written and directed by Abbas Aram, the movie won awards in four categories, including Best Director and Best Story at the International Competition Feature section of the Indian event.

The film also received the CIFEJ Award (Best Feature Film) and Film Critic Circle India Award (FCCI).

‘Here My Village’ tells the story of Farhad, a 12-year-old village boy who is crazy about photos and magazines. He tries to work hard to buy a second-hand camera, but he fails.

The Best Story Award in the International Competition Shorts section of the Indian event as well as its Young Jury (Children) award went to Iran’s ‘This Side-Other Side’ directed by Lida Fazli.

‘This Side-Other Side’ shows that no border can block friendship and affection between children, in hopes that the adult world, as well as the children’s world, would be full of peace and friendship.

‘Binti’ by Frederike Migom from Belgium won the award for best children film while the award for best youth film was presented to ‘Fight Girl’ by Johan Timmers from the Netherlands.

‘Matilda’, a France-Belgium co-production by Irene Iborra and Eduardo Puertos, ‘Three Feet’ by Giselle Geney from Colombia, ‘Too Far Away’ by Sarah Winkenstette from Germany, as well as ‘The Kite’ by Martin Smatana from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland are also among the notable winners of the Indian event.

The SIFFCY aims to bring the youth and children the best films because they are the change agents in their family and community.

The week-long annual fest supports emerging filmmakers by recognizing the pioneers and leaders of the similar industry.

The SIFFCY welcomes filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and audience members from around the world.

The 5th edition of the event was held on December 9-15, 2019. 

MG/MG