Iran’s ‘sun is coming?’ at three international festivals
Iran’s short screenplay ‘sun is coming?’, penned by Atefeh Salehi and Saeid Ghasemi, received an honorary distinction in the Southern California Screenplay Competition. Also, it has made its way to the semifinals of two other American festivals—the New York New Stories Screenplay Contest and the SF Indie Fest Screenplay Competition.
The Southern California Screenplay Competition, established in 2017, aims to champion emerging writers by spotlighting innovative and impactful storytelling. Attracting numerous submissions from across the globe each year, the competition provides a platform for screenwriters who craft profound, human-centered narratives. The latest edition took place on December 23, 2024.
Meanwhile, the New York New Stories Screenplay Contest, founded in 2019, has rapidly gained credibility as a prominent platform for independent and creative screenplays. By bringing together writers, filmmakers, and producers, the festival fosters professional networking and collaboration. The final results were announced on January 1, 2025.
On the West Coast, the SF Indie Fest Screenplay Competition, running since 2000, stands as one of America’s longest-standing festivals dedicated to independent films and screenplays. Known for recognizing groundbreaking works and giving a voice to unconventional storytellers, the festival will take place in San Francisco from February 6 to 16, 2025. Set in a refugee camp in Dubai, ‘sun is coming?’ follows an Afghan father’s relentless struggle to rescue his children, who remain trapped under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Salehi, an accomplished filmmaker, has previously directed four short films and written multiple screenplays. Ghasemi, who has garnered international recognition with his debut short film, is currently preparing for his second directorial venture.