‘A Death for Life’ named sole Iranian film at India’s HALF festival
The one-tale short, ‘A Death for Life,’ by Iranian filmmaker Mohammadreza Setarehshenas will compete at the 15th International Haiku Amateur Little Film (HALF) Festival on September 14 2025 in Palakkad, Kerala. The film is the only Iranian entry selected for the final competition, IRNA reported. The festival, run by the creative collective Insight the Creative Group, recognizes ultra-short films—those no longer than five minutes—as “haiku” in cinematic form. Its emphasis is on aesthetic immediacy and non-profit creation. This year’s edition drew a global audience, culminating in Setarehshenas singular national distinction. A single-shot short, ‘A Death for Life’ depicts a female pigeon’s demise and the death of her mate upon witnessing the scene. The filmmaker took on writing, directing, cinematography, editing, poster art and production duties himself. The film has previously screened at festivals in India, Chicago, Russia, and has earned commendations including a special experimental prize in Bolivia and finalist status at Busan’s New Wave, plus a nomination in Italy. The celebration of his victory falls amid a growing appreciation of micro-cinema. “The power of small gestures resonates even in film,” said one juror, praising the film’s emotional clarity. A ‘Death for Life’ “carried us” with its haunting simplicity.