Voice of Urdu
Iranian Films Selected for 16th Youth Film Festival in Yaroslavl Russia
news

Iranian Films Selected for 16th Youth Film Festival in Yaroslavl Russia

By Editorial Team•Jul 29, 2026 · 5:34 AM•3 min read
AI-generated representative image: The historic city of Yaroslavl, Russia, host of the 16th International Youth Film Festival "Light of the World" where five Ir
Editorial Team
Editorial Team
Four short films and one animation from Iranian directors to compete at Light of the World festival this September

Five Iranian films have been selected to compete in the 16th International Youth Film Festival Light of the World, scheduled to take place from September 11 to 16 in Yaroslavl, Russia. The lineup includes four short films and one short animation, representing a range of social and human-interest themes.

The selection highlights Iran's continued presence in international youth cinema and provides a platform for emerging Iranian filmmakers to showcase their work at one of Russia's largest film competitions. The festival, supported by the Russian Ministry of Culture, has operated as a year-round project since 2011, focusing on the spiritual, moral, and artistic development of young audiences through cinema.

Iranian Films in Competition

The five Iranian entries, as reported by ISNA, are:

  • "Baytora," directed by Faraj Salehi, a short film set in Gaza during a ceasefire, in which a student builds a model of his dream home using available materials to bring to school.
  • "Dandelions Girl," written and directed by Azadeh Masihzadeh, a short film about a girl who dreams of playing football and joins a team as goalkeeper. After a boy pushes her into a goalpost, she collapses and is presumed dead. The boy's wealthy father attempts to bribe witnesses, but the son ultimately confesses the truth, and the girl rises, revealing her resilience.
  • "The Path We Have Taken," directed by Narges Fazli, a short animation following a mother with a disability who faces challenges while bringing her daughter home from school.
  • "Faraway Land," directed by Abbas Ghadir Mohseni.
  • "Pirezan and Shahderakht," directed by Robabe Hashemi.

About the Light of the World Festival

The Light of the World International Youth Film Festival was launched in 2011 as a year-round initiative aimed at promoting the spiritual, moral, patriotic, artistic, and aesthetic development of children and young people through cinema. It is among the largest film competitions in Russia by both geography and participant numbers.

The festival functions as more than a competition. Organizers describe it as an ongoing educational platform where the selection and awarding of filmmakers marks only the first stage. Film educators subsequently use the selected works as tools for spiritual and moral education, presenting viewers with examples of behavior that can have a lasting impact.

The festival also fosters creative exchange among children's and youth film studios, emerging young filmmakers, and adult directors creating content for younger audiences. The event receives support from the Russian Ministry of Culture.

Festival's Broader Mission

According to festival organizers, the spiritual and moral programming of competition films shapes the tastes of both viewers and filmmakers alike. Audience engagement, interaction with jury members, and the setting of the Yaroslavl region are said to provide an emotional foundation that encourages the creation of new works. The festival's structure treats film screenings as the beginning of a longer educational process rather than an endpoint.

What Lies Ahead

The 16th edition of the festival will run from September 11 to 16 in Yaroslavl. Further details regarding screening schedules, jury composition, and award categories are expected to be announced closer to the event dates.

MORE LIKE THIS
IRGC Navy Stops Three Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz After Warnings
news

IRGC Navy Stops Three Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz After Warnings

Iran's Revolutionary Guards intercepted vessels using an illegal passageway, escalating maritime security tensions in the strategic shipping corridor.

Iran IRGC Ballistic Missile Strike on US Base in Jordan Escalates Tensions
news

Iran IRGC Ballistic Missile Strike on US Base in Jordan Escalates Tensions

IRGC Aerospace Force confirms ballistic missile attack on US military command center in Jordan, citing retaliation for American aggression

Saudi Arabia and US Launch Joint Airstrikes on Iran-Backed Groups in Iraq
news

Saudi Arabia and US Launch Joint Airstrikes on Iran-Backed Groups in Iraq

Eight PMF members killed as Riyadh and CENTCOM retaliate for drone attacks on Saudi petroleum facilities, prompting Baghdad to condemn the strikes and pursue diplomatic talks.

Iran Mehr Media Group & Pakistan RightNow Media Sign SCO Summit Deal
news

Iran Mehr Media Group & Pakistan RightNow Media Sign SCO Summit Deal

Memorandum signed at SCO Media and Think Tank Summit in Bishkek aims to boost bilateral journalism training and joint content production.

Comments (0)

Leave a comment

A verified Gmail account is required to post comments.

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!