TEHRAN- Iranian director Payam Hosseini’s short film “Khalil” wins two awards at the 30th edition of Lessinia Film Festival, which was held last week in Verona, Italy. 

The short flick received best short film award as well as special jury award in its global premiere. 

The film is set in a small village on the Iranian plateau and follows the journey of a 13-year-old boy named Khalil, who has recently lost his father. Overwhelmed by the fear of his father's fate in the afterlife, Khalil is deeply troubled by the possibility that his father may not receive God's forgiveness and could end up in Hell. 

In a desperate attempt to save his father's soul, Khalil seeks forgiveness from everyone around him, hoping their answers can sway divine judgment. However, their collective reassurances do little to ease his distress. With encouragement from his school teacher and support from his friends, Khalil takes a bold step: he decides to write a heartfelt letter to God, pleading for mercy. The combination of Khalil’s innocence and determination give rise to a story of tenderness, which tests the faith and love of a son.

Founded in 1995, the Lesinia International Film Festival is the only Italian film competition dedicated exclusively to short, documentary, and feature films focusing on the lives, history, and traditions of mountainous regions. The festival exclusively showcases films that focus on these themes while excluding sports and mountaineering content. With a commitment to exploring the relationship between humans and their environment, the festival reflects on the past, addresses present challenges, and anticipates future prospects.

This year, 97 films from 48 countries competed in various categories for the prestigious awards.

Based in Bosco Chiesanuova, the festival has become an internationally recognized event, held annually during the last ten days of August. It screens around 90 films across various categories, including the International Competition and FFDLgreen, which highlights environmental themes. 

Under the artistic direction of Alessandro Anderloni, the festival continues to adapt to the evolving cinematic landscape while focusing on pressing contemporary issues.

SAB/