Iran’s ‘The Plain Sings’ lands perfect pitch at Bulgarian festival
Iranian short film ‘The Plain Sings’, written and directed by Gita Feizi, won the Early Bird Grand Award at the 20th edition of the Early Bird International Student Film Festival in Bulgaria.
The festival, which was established in 2005, aims to showcase the unique perspectives of young filmmakers and their bold views on contemporary issues. The event, which was held from November 1-5, 2024 brings together a diverse range of films from around the world, ISNA reported.
In a statement, the jury praised ‘The Plain Sings’, saying, “A beautiful story about a girl whose only desire is to sing, exploring the emotions that come with chasing a dream. The creator crafted thoughtful shots and compositions that convey the painful narrative in every frame. The contrast between her singing freely in stunning wide shots and the restrictions imposed by her culture and family is powerful. The tragic ending represents the consequences of her choice. The heartfelt storytelling and striking visuals made it an easy choice for Early Bird Grand Award.”
This win is not the first for ‘The Plain Sings’, which has previously picked up several awards, including Best Kurdish Language Film and Best Short Film at the 14th Berlin Kurdish Film Festival, Best Film in the Invisible Lands section at the 4th Son of a Pitch Festival in Italy, and Best Music at the 20th Nahal International Short Film Festival. The film has also won the Mitosfilm award and has been selected for several other festivals, including the 10th Sakarya Student Film Festival, the 3rd Kaaffilm International Short Film Festival, and the Abbas Kiarostami and ISFA.
The film’s plot revolves around a shepherd girl whose daily routine is disrupted by a wolf attack on her flock, leading her to make a crucial decision.