Iranian narrative’s strength lies in depicting family bonds, says TISFF juror

Tehran, IRNA— The compelling power of Iranian cinema often stems from its profound and authentic exploration of family relationships, a Romanian juror of the Tehran International Short Film Festival (TISFF) says.

Mirona Radu made comments in an interview with IRNA in the opening ceremony of the 42nd TISFF at Iran Mall Cinema Complex on Sunday.

She lauded the quality of the selected works to be screened at the event.

Thrilled to be collaborating with the festival secretariat, Radu said, acknowledging the immense effort behind each submission.
The filmmaking process is a demanding art, she said and added that bringing a project from concept to screen for a festival of this caliber is a significant achievement.

Reflecting on the festival’s legacy, the Romanian filmmaker noted the remarkable evolution of TISFF over four decades into a pivotal platform for both veteran directors and emerging talents.

The festival facilitates a dynamic cinematic dialogue, preparing a ground for established and aspiring filmmakers to vie in a fair artistic competition, she said.
She described the event as a crucial showcase and a source of motivation for new voices, providing an essential space for artists to present their unique narrative perspectives.

When discussing Iranian cinema, Radu’s appraisal was particularly resonant. She described it as “a cinema of great honesty.”

The storytelling in Iranian films is profoundly effective; these works possess a rare quality of emotional resonance that truly touches the hearts of the audience, Radu underlined.

The 42nd TISFF, directed by Behrooz Shoaibi and themed “Rationality and Intellectualism,” began on October 19, 2025, at the Iran Mall Cinema Complex, northern Tehran, and will last five days.

This year’s festival features selected fiction, animation, documentary, and experimental films from Iran and around the world.

Organized annually by the Iranian Youth Cinema Society (IYCS), a leading institution for cinema and short film production, the TISFF is officially recognized by the Academy Awards, making its Grand Prize winner eligible for Oscar consideration.