The festival was officially kicked off on February 6 and films were screened at the festival house of Milad Tower and public cinemas that ended on 11th of February.
This year's festival attracted an impressive 621 submissions from 87 countries, showcasing a diverse range of cinematic talent from around the globe.
A total of 37 Iranian movies also competed in three sections namely Sodaye-Simorgh (the festival’s main competition section), New Perspective (first-time filmmakers), and Animations.
In the Sodaye-Simorgh section, a war drama “Majnoon” directed by Mehdi Shamohammadi was selected as the best film, with Behzad Khalaj and Shabnam Ghorbani grabbing Crystal Simorgh in male and female in supporting role in the same film.
Behrouz Afkhami was chosen the best director for his film “the Morning of the Execution.” Arastoo Khoshrazm received Crystal Simorgh as the best male actor for the same film.
In the New Perspective section, Crystal Simorgh for the best director went to Javad Ezzati for his movie "Bloody Crocodile."
International films competed in four subsections of inter-religion, Cinema Saadat (felicity), Resistance, and Orient Landscape.
In the inter-religion section, Diploma of Honor went to 'The Summer of the Very Year' directed by Mahmoud Kalari in the inter-religion section whereas, 'The Passion of Love' directed by Daryoush Yari bagged Crystal Simorgh.
In the Resistance section, Diploma of Honor went to Mohammad Hossein Haghighat for “Flight 175” while Crystal Simorgh went to the film 'Heart of Raqqa' directed by Kheirollah Taghianipour.
In the Orient Landscape section, Tastia Jamil from Bangladesh received Crystal Simorgh for her acting in the film “Fatima”. Crystal Simorgh went to Nasim Bastani for the best screenplay in Zaher (Appearance); Mohammad Askari got Crystal Simorgh for directing 'Heaven of West'.
Special Jury Award went to Askhat Kucincicov for film 'Bavrina Slao' from Kazakhstan and Crystal Simorgh for the best film went to Zoljar Golporodash for 'Winter Dream' from Magnolia.
IRNA