Let me have my say

Short competition Jury:

Gulbara Tolomushova, film-critic, Kyrgyzstan 

Aynur Zarrintac, theatrical director, Azerbaijan

Nazrin Agamaliyeva, animation director, Azerbaijan

Jury watched 6 films of the International section and 7 films of the local section

Jury made a decision:

Best film of the International competition: "Sarnevesht" by Yaser Talebi, Iran

Synopsis:

After the death of her mother 18-year-old Sahar is left in charge of her poor, mentally disabled father in an isolated village in Iran. This observational portrait captures a young woman caught between traditional gender roles and her desire for self-determination.

Poster of "Sarnevesht" by Yaser Talebi, Iran

Special jury Award of the International competition: "Two Less", by Taroa Zuñiga Silva and Carlos Zerpa, Chile

Synopsis:

Two young migrant women die in obscure circumstances involving repressive bodies from the Chilean state. Talking from beyond, Joanne and Beatriz tell us about their decision to migrate, their hopes, and their motherhood dreams. But also about how the country they arrived in transformed into a boxing ring that cornered and threatened them until death. Has something changed in 44 years?

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Two Less by Taroa Zuñiga Silva, Carlos Zerpa, Chile

Best film of the National competition: "Pathway to Peace" by Nargiz Mammadli, Azerbaijan

Synopsis:

Nargiz, a young Azerbaijani filmmaker caught between the traditions of her upbringing and the rapidly changing world, begins to unpack her complicated relationship with her parents as she seeks peace and self-acceptance in her own life. Nargiz tries to find a common understanding with her parents through conversations about their feelings and Soviet-influenced past.

Pathway to Peace by Nargiz Mamadli, Azerbaijan

Special jury award of the National competition: "My Grandfather's House" by Leylakhanim Ganbarli, Azerbaijan

Synopsis: 

Eleven years after her grandfather's passing, director Leylakhanim Ganbarli starts an emotional journey. She has never had the courage to say “farewell” to her late grandfather until now. Filled with valuable memories of their time together, she travels from Baku to Oglangala, her childhood village in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan’s autonomous republic situated between Armenia and Iran. As Leylakhanim reflects on her grandfather and awakens memories of him, her grandmother steps in to support her. Thus, the film “My Grandfather's House” explores not only the director's reminiscences but also marks a new stage in the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter.

My Grandfather's House by Leylakhanim Ganbarli, Azerbaijan