TEHRAN, Iran — The 6th edition of the 5 Film & Photo Awards has unveiled its jury members for the film category, showcasing a blend of local and international talent. The festival is set to accept submissions until August 11, starting evaluations the following day, with winners expected to be announced in October.
Turkish filmmaker Gülten Taranc, noted for her work at the 53rd Antalya Film Festival, has taken on the role of international secretary for the event. Her film “Wish to Wash in Rains” garnered the Audience Award in 2016, and her more recent work “Snails” received the “Meeting on The Bridge Award” in 2021. Taranc also founded the International Women Filmmakers Festival in Turkey.
The film jury, composed of 13 members, is chaired by Japanese filmmaker Naoko Tajima. Among the Iranian representatives are cinematographers Touraj Aslani and Hooman Behmanesh, actress Setareh Eskandari, and documentary filmmaker Mahvash Sheikholeslami.
The jury includes international figures such as Romanian filmmaker Mircea Sorin Albutiu and editor Maria Bălănean, Turkish producer Cihan Aslı Filiz and director Aysim Turkmen, British filmmaker Andrew Robert Thomas, Serbian director Maša Nešković, and Austrian filmmaker Markus Berger.
Naoko Tajima, a graduate of the London Film School, has directed over 300 commercials, films, and music videos. Her works have received recognition at various prestigious film and advertising festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Hollywood Film Festival.
Touraj Aslani has a background in graphics and film directing. Starting his photography career at a young age, he became the youngest professional photographer in Iranian cinema by 2000, amassing an impressive portfolio with over 100 films.
Hooman Behmanesh, another prominent Iranian figure, began his artistic journey as a teenager. After transitioning to directing photography in 2006, he has established himself as a seasoned professional in Iranian cinema, contributing to both short films and documentaries.
Setareh Eskandari has been active in the arts since 1993 and made her debut as a director with “The Sun of That Moon,” which premiered at international festivals. The film has been applauded for its exploration of women’s rights and Baloch culture.
Mahvash Sheikholeslami, a London Film School alumna, has played a vital role in the Iranian film scene. Not only does she produce and lend her expertise to numerous projects, but she is also a revered member of the Iranian Documentary Filmmakers Guild.
Mircea Sorin Albutiu holds a master’s degree in documentary filmmaking, while Maria Bălănean specializes in film editing, with work that has been featured in various film festivals. Cihan Aslı Filiz was acknowledged in 2022 as an international producer to watch by Cannes MIPTV.
Aysim Turkmen has created award-winning documentaries in Istanbul and contributes significantly to the International Women Filmmakers Festival. Meanwhile, Andrew Robert Thomas has over three decades of experience in creative production across multiple media.
Maša Nešković, a filmmaker with an academic background in polymedia art, has directed numerous notable projects, while Markus Berger specializes in animation and visual effects, combining teaching with filmmaking.
The 5 Film & Photo Awards is a distinguished event that aims to support independent and modern artists globally while bridging cultural divides. Inspired by a 500-year-old tree in Aro, a suburb of Tehran, the festival seeks to honor the legacy of Abbas Kiarostami, whose photography of this tree has graced renowned galleries worldwide.
This festival was initiated by Mehdi Shadizadeh, a documentary photographer, to celebrate both a significant cultural icon and the artistic contributions it represents. The festival’s name, “5,” pays homage to Kiarostami’s 2003 film, which consists of five scenes, further connecting the event to profound artistic roots.
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