TEHRAN – The 40th edition of the Tehran International Short Film Festival (TISFF) has experienced a significant increase in international entries this year, the secretary of the festival has said. 

The festival secretariat received a total of 8,997 short films during the submission period for both national and international sections, Mehdi Azarpendar announced on Sunday. 

Out of this figure, 1,781 entries were from the national section, while 7,216 were from the international section, he added. 

The figure shows a remarkable growth of 44 percent in international submissions, whereas there was an 11 percent decrease in national entries compared to the previous year's edition, he explained. 

He also highlighted that this upsurge in international submissions indicates an escalating interest among foreign filmmakers to partake in this year's festival.

Although the total number of accepted films may be lower than in previous editions, the organizers have emphasized the importance of quality, he noted. 

As a result of the festival's global renown, the selection process has been strict, with films scrutinized closely for their quality. 

Furthermore, he shared that Tehran Short Film Festival is known to be one of the most competitive festivals on the international circuit. “In fact, out of 1000 entries, only eight make it to the festival stage.”

For the first time, 55 percent of the accepted films are from provinces outside of Tehran, indicating significant growth in this area over previous years, he mentioned. 

The festival's main objective is to exhibit the diverse and exceptional works of filmmakers hailing from various parts of Iran, he stated. 

He also said that side events include film screenings, workshops, and talks by renowned film directors, alongside a special segment focusing on books and cinema, and a section dedicated to emerging talent.

This year's festival brings attention to the works of Dariush Yari, a leading figure in the short film industry, he added. 

The festival also honors the memories of Morteza Pour-Samadi and Mehdi Emami, who recently passed away, he concluded. 

Back in August, the festival organizers announced that this edition of the festival received over 7,000 submissions from 131 countries.

Spain stands first with 913 submissions, and next comes India with 553 films, and then France with 494.

The countries of the U.S., China, Italy, Brazil, Russia, Britain, Turkey, Germany, South Korea, Mexico, Canada, Poland and Argentina stand next respectively.

The Tehran International Short Film Festival has been held for 40 consecutive years in Iran, by the Iranian Youth Cinema Society – one of the most renowned schools of cinema and short film production in Iran and throughout the world. With more than 80 branches across the country and a family of 250 thousand graduates, the Iranian Youth Cinema Society has gone through excellent educational and effective filmmaking courses, producing hundreds of short films every year and winning hundreds of awards from prestigious and prominent international film festivals in the past four decades.

TISFF is approved by the Academy Awards® (Oscars) and the winner of the Grand Prize becomes eligible for the Oscars.

The 40th edition of the Tehran International Short Film Festival will be inaugurated on Thursday and will run until October 24.

SAB/