TEHRAN- Iranian director Mokhtar Abdollahi’s “Between the Cliffs” has been honored at the Hero International Film Festival for Children and Youth, which came to an end at the Russian city of Krasnoyarsk on Saturday. 

The film received the People's Choice Award, while its teenage actress Andia Yahyapour won the best performance award, Mehr reported on Monday.

“Between the Cliffs” tells the story of Ebrahim and his little sister Ilma, who tend their cattle in the mountains when their parents go to town on an errand. In a rock crevice, honeybees buzz and Ebrahim climbs for their nest. Easier said than done – with an injured foot, Ebrahim gets stuck on a ledge. Now it's up to Ilma to manage on her own.

Hamidreza Gheibi, Andia Yahyapour, Maryam Alahmad and Esmaeil Moradi are in the cast of the film that is produced by the Documentary, Experimental and Animation Film Center of Iran.

Mokhtar Abdollahi, 47, is a graduate of scriptwriting. He is best known for his short story collection, “Seven” (2009), and his novel, “Cubic Man” (2012). 

“Between the Cliffs” is Abdollahi’s debut feature film that was made in 2021. The 78-minute drama was premiered at the national competition section of Isfahan Children’s Film Festival in Iran and won Grand Prix and the Best Child Actress Award in the event.

The Hero International Film Festival for Children and Youth is a unique platform that encourages thought-provoking discussions about the moral compass of modern youth. The festival organizers believe that this is a crucial topic in today's education, and that values such as patriotism, tolerance, and traditional virtues are essential for shaping young minds. The festival's diverse programming features a range of genres, including fiction, animation, and documentary, all showcasing heroes who inspire us to make a positive impact.

The concept of heroism is explored in all aspects of the festival, from big-screen films to interactive discussions. The question of who is the modern hero for children and adolescents is a topic of ongoing debate among cinema professionals and audiences alike. To foster this discussion, the festival also hosts a special club for children, where they can engage in discussions and reflections after watching a film.

SAB/