Iranian ‘Tadji’ to compete at Ireland Foyle Film Festival
The Iranian short film ‘Tadji,’ written and directed by Mehdi Borjian, was selected for competition at the 38th edition of the Foyle Film Festival in Derry/Londonderry in Ireland, slated for November 19 to 30.
The festival, which boasts accreditation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscar) and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), offers short-film winners a direct route to both awards, ISNA reported.
‘Tadji’ portrays the ordeal of a factory worker named Tadji, described as “strong-willed” and grappling with a critical decision amid personal hardship. The ensemble cast features Fatemeh Neyshabouri, Morteza Khanjani, Shamila Tabesh, Fatemeh Hasani, Rouhieh Mahmoudi, Faezeh Vafaei, Elaheh Mochani, Ali Bagheri, and Ahad Shamloo, with veteran actor Gholamreza Ramezani in a guest appearance and child actor Janiar Eskandarian.
Borjian said the story is rooted in real-life labor tensions and seeks to capture the “unyielding resolve” of a woman caught between survival and dignity. Festival organizers emphasize that the film schedule will include screenings across the festival’s Light in Motion short-film competition, Northern Ireland’s only Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying competition.
Festival director Bernie McLaughlin described the selection as a “vital bridge” between Iranian independent cinema and global recognition.