Iran’s Talebi joins jury of TRT Int’l Documentary Awards in Turkey
Iranian documentary filmmaker Yaser Talebi from Mazandaran was invited to serve as a jury member for the 15th TRT International Documentary Awards in Turkey.
The festival, known for its standing in the regional documentary scene, kicked off December 12 in Istanbul, showcasing a diverse array of films competing for various awards, ILNA reported.
Talebi, a prominent figure in Iranian documentary cinema, joins the panel of judges that includes Imamura Keiichi from Japan’s NHK network, Turkish filmmaker Derviş Zaim, Turkish documentarian Zeynep Kececiler, and Bosnian journalist and researcher Arijana Saracevic.
Recognized for his impactful contributions to the documentary genre, Talebi was expressed gratitude by the festival organizers for his professional stature and body of work.
He will also present his acclaimed film ‘Destiny,’ which will be screened out of competition. This documentary has previously received accolades, including the Best Documentary Award at the 63rd Krakow Film Festival in Poland. ‘Destiny’ tells the poignant story of a teenage girl’s struggle to balance familial responsibilities, faith, and personal aspirations.
Expressing his excitement about participating as a juror, Talebi remarked, “Being alongside international filmmakers and watching their works is a valuable experience.” He also shared his enthusiasm for the special screening of ‘Destiny,’ hoping that it will resonate with a new audience.
The 15th TRT International Documentary Awards runs from December 12 to 15 in Istanbul, marking Talebi’s fourth time serving on a jury at international festivals. Previously, he has been a juror at the International Outdoor Documentary Film Festival of China (OUTDOCS) in China in 2021, the Pambujan International Film Festival in the Philippines in 2022, and Diogenes in Tbilisi in 2022.
Talebi’s works have been showcased at various festivals, including IDFA, Berlinale, and HotDocs, and he is a graduate of cinema, as well as a member of the Iranian Documentary Filmmakers Association (IRDFA).
Over the years, Talebi has accumulated numerous awards, such as the Best Audience Award at HotDocs Canada, Best Director at the 63rd Krakow Film Festival in 2023, and many more, totaling around 20 international accolades for his impactful storytelling and directorial prowess.