TEHRAN-The Iranian short documentary “Daughter” directed by Yaser Talebi has won the Prize of Audacity at the 21st Festival Tous Courts, international short films festival of Aix-en-Provence and surrounding area, in France, held from November 28 to December 2.

A joint production of Iran, France, Germany, and Norway, the 25-minute documentary show an 18-year-old Iranian girl who cannot ignore the burning desire to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor while her family insists that she stay home after high school to fulfill her duties, Mehr reported.

It is a moving film that tenderly invites us into the close relationship between a young girl and her disabled father. The narration of each daily movement is transformed into a sign of love and the inner beauty of the two protagonists is seen even in their choices in life, towards each other, full of wisdom.

The 2022 production is a warm and intimate observational portrait, letting the people and emotions reveal themselves. A thicket of relationships and expectations are at work here involving family, friends, religion, social expectations, and social media. It is a window on contemporary Iran, which captures a young woman caught between traditional gender roles and her desire for self-determination.

The film won the Best Foreign Film Award at the 9th Peloponnese International Documentary Festival in Greece last month.

The Festival Tous Courts seeks films that illustrate the richness and diversity of international short film production. Its objective is to give a space to creativity and freedom, preserve cultural diversity, allow short film to get back into movie theatres, contribute to the emergence of new talents and give the audience the pleasure to (re)discover the treasures of short films. Through its numerous programs, the festival presents more than 200 films, both contemporary young creations and heritage.

SS/SAB