International Short Film Festival of Tehran

Overview

The International Short Film Festival of Tehran is Iran's most important short film festival. Founded in 1997 and held annually in Tehran, the festival presents Iranian and international short films with competitive programming that serves as the primary platform for Iran's extraordinarily active short filmmaking community.

Iran has one of the world's most prolific short film traditions. Iranian short filmmakers have achieved international recognition at major festivals, and the short film has served as both an artistic form in its own right and as a training ground for directors who later move to features. The Tehran festival reflects and celebrates this tradition.

The festival operates within Iran's regulatory framework for cinema, which requires government approval for programming decisions. International filmmakers should be aware that content restrictions apply to films screened in Iran.

Key Sections

• International Competition -- short films from around the world competing for prizes
• Iranian Short Film Competition -- new Iranian short productions
• Animation Competition -- animated short films
• Student Film Competition -- films by Iranian film students
• Documentary Shorts -- nonfiction short films

What Filmmakers Should Know

The festival accepts open submissions. Content that would be restricted in Iran may not be eligible for programming. For Iranian short filmmakers, this is the most important domestic short film platform. The festival's connections with the Fajr International Film Festival create pathways within the Iranian film system.

Major Awards

• Best International Short Film -- jury prize
• Best Iranian Short Film
• Best Animation
• Audience Award

Festival History

The International Short Film Festival of Tehran was founded in 1997 and has operated as Iran's primary short film platform.

See Also

For Iranian cinema, see International Film Markets. For the Fajr International Film Festival, see Fajr International Film Festival.