Iranian documentary scoops Special Jury Prize in Chile
Iranian filmmaker Javad Gholamnejad Jaberi has won a Special Jury Prize at an international environmental film festival in Chile for his short documentary “Khasak”.
The award was presented at the 4th International Sea Film Festival in Concepción, Chile, an event focused on films exploring marine ecosystems, environmental conservation and ocean-related issues.
Mohammad Hossein Zandvian, director-general of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Iran's Bushehr Province, said “Khasak” was recognized by the jury for its artistic portrayal of a marine species and its focus on the importance of protecting the Persian Gulf ecosystem.
In a statement, festival judges praised the documentary's poetic storytelling, human-centered perspective and emotional impact on audiences, according to Zandvian.
The film is among the latest works by Gholamnejad Jaberi, a filmmaker from the southern coastal province of Bushehr whose documentaries on marine and environmental themes have previously been screened and honored at international festivals.
The Sea Film Festival is regarded as a specialized event dedicated to environmental and maritime cinema, bringing together filmmakers and conservation advocates from around the world.
The award marks another international recognition for Iranian documentary filmmaking and highlights growing attention to environmental themes in the country's independent cinema sector.