US Award of Merit for Iran’s ‘The Supporter’ at Accolade Global Film Competition
Iranian filmmaker Leila Noee clinched the Award of Merit at the 22nd Accolade Global Film Competition in California for her short drama ‘The Supporter,’ produced with Roham Rasouli.
Noee, wrote and directed the 20‑minute film that traces the story of an elderly man who refuses to leave wartime Tehran despite his family’s pleas. His decision, tied to a haunting past, drives the narrative. “It’s a choice that binds him to memory,” the director said after the announcement.
Founded in 2003, the Accolade Global Film Competition has carved out a niche for independent cinema. Each year it hands out three honors, Award of Merit, Best of Show and Award of Recognition – across categories ranging from shorts to documentaries.
MovieMaker Magazine ranks the event among the world’s top 25 festivals for its artistic value.
‘The Supporter’ had earlier been selected by Iran’s Young Cinema Society in its “Homeland Through My Eyes” campaign and screened at the “Embrace Iran” showcase.
The cast includes Mohammad Taghinejad and Mahro Zeraatkar, while international distribution is managed by Varcana Productions, a boutique outfit specializing in Middle Eastern works.
The win marks a breakthrough for Noee and Rasouli, who financed the project independently. “Independent cinema thrives on grit and persistence,” Rasouli said, calling the recognition “a shot in the arm” for Iranian short films seeking global audiences.