Afghanistan

Many millennials in Afghanistan are extraordinarily resilient, even hopeful. “The future of Afghanistan is going to be very bright,” says Zhala Sarmast, 17, a member of groundbreaking women’s cycling group that biked across the country to promote female independence.

During the closing ceremony of the 4th edition of the International Women’s Film Festival – Herat” held in Kabul, Afghanistan on 22 Oct. 2016 the international and national winners of this edition were announced in various categories. See more on the International Women’s Film Festival page.

IWPR: Zarmina, 36, lives in Herat city with her husband Juma Gul, a driver, and his second wife. “I got married to Juma Gul 17 years ago, but after six years he married another girl,” […]

The short fiction “Mirror” and the animation “Station” both directed by Vega Moqarabi from Afghanistan received the Special awards of the Jury.

The fiction “Song of the Horned Owl” directed by Manju Borah from India was awarded as the Best camera, by the international jury.

The short film “Mary Mother”directed by Sadam Wahidi from Afghanistan was awarded as the Best edit, by the international jury.

Shirin Barghnavard & Mohammad Reza Jahanpanah from Iran were awarded as the best documentary maker for the film “Scenes from a Divorce” by the international jury.

Camille Fontaine from France was awarded as the best feature director for the film “By Accident” by the international jury.

“Lesson Unlearned” from Russia was awarded as the best screenplay, directed by Nina Vedmitskaya by the international jury.

“The Spirit of Fishi” from India was awarded as the best animation, directed by Anjali Nayar by the international jury.