TEHRAN (IFILM) -- The 61st edition of the Zlin Film Festival in the Czech Republic has honored Iranian short film ‘Congenital’.
‘Congenital’ made its international debut at the Zlin Film Festival and received the Special Mention of the Zlin Film Festival, which is considered a pioneer event in children’s film industry.
Co-directed by Saman Hosseinpour and Ako Zandkarimi, known as SamKo brothers, ‘Congenital’ narrates the story of a 20-year-old girl named Roja who lives in a village and is forced to marry an old man to save his brother.
The cast list of the film includes Sarina Taraqqi, Ardeshir Khodadoust, Maryam Boubani, Arina Moradi, Hadiqeh Mahmoudi, Sabah Gavili, and Nian Saedpanah.
“Congenital is a daring proposal of defiance of social expectations. It treats its thematic concerns with a notable visual sensitivity and reference to the fine-art traditions that are native to the millennia-old cultures of the Middle East,” the jury said in a statement on ‘Congenital’.
‘Exsanguination’ and ‘The Other’ are two other films made by SamKo brothers that have attended many international festivals, winning several awards.
‘Sun Children’ by Majid Majidi is another Iranian winner of the 61st Zlin Film Festival.
Founded in 1961, the mission and goal of the Zlin Film Festival is the presentation of contemporary world films for children and youths in the Czech Republic as well as an exhibition of Czech films. It is an active member of the European Children’s Film Association.
The 2021 edition of the event was held on September 9-15.