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 CYRUS THE GREAT PRODUCTION LTD Presents 

The 10th Sahar International Short Film Festival 2023 Official Selection

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The 9th Sahar International Short Film Festival 2022 Official Selection

Raza Mallal

"Espresso Yourself"

  An award-winning visionary writer/director. Raza has a Diploma in TV Production. And has worked in corporate video for a number of years. His short films Easy Money and Checkmate have received several international awards, including the Jury Grand Prize, Amiens, Bronze Dragon, and Cracow. He recently wrote, directed and produced the short films “Holding On To Nothing", the romantic drama "Our Day", and the black comedy” Dumb Decisions" and has just completed the martial arts short "Help Wanted"

Year of Production.: 2021

Film Duration:06' min 57''  

Genre: Fiction

Country of Original Production Company: United Kingdom

Synopsis:

  Two modern day singles, looking for love, are having their regular espresso at their local coffee shop. Having found each other on a dating website, they each nervously wait for the other to make the first move. But maybe there’s more to one of them than meets the eye and will the fear of rejection end a relationship before it’s even begun?

 

Thank you to distributors and Filmmakers for participating with us.

  We are proud to announce the 9th SISFF Official Selection.

The management team are:  Sahar, Mandana Ansari and Martin Gleeson.

fIRST lAUREL Sahar 2022.tif

Aashit Chatterjee

 "The Lens"

  Aashit Chatterjee an Independent Filmmaker, Actor & Creative Professional.

He has been making Short Film, Music Video, Corporate Film, Ad Film, Documentary Film &

working on feature Film. His internationally acclaimed short films are “The Truth Behind”,

“Caution”, “The Lost Empire” & “The Lens”. He has worked in various creative and commercial

capacities in film world and theatre.

 

Year of Production.: 2019

Film Duration: 05 min

Genre: Fiction

Country of Original Production Company: India

 

Synopsis:

  An award-winning photographer Rafique Ahmed when visits his native place after winning an International Award for black & white Street Photography, his acquaintance with a senior journalist Neelkanth Pandey in a press conference changes his views towards life.

AMIR HOSSEIN BASIR

THE SOIL (KHAAK)

Master's degree in architecture, university teaching. He is an independent Iranian filmmaker.
Active in the field of performing arts in Iran

Year of Production.: 2022 Film (or Video)

 Duration: 21:05 MIN

 Fiction 

 IRAN

 Synopsis:

   In northern Iran, a landslide has caused the evacuation of a village. At this time, the eldest son of a family who have recently lost their father returns to the village to take

over his father's house, but his younger brother, who blames him for losing his father's inheritance, prevents him from entering the house.

   A quarrel ensues between the two brothers, and each accuses the other, and unspoken words are

revealed that cause the family to break up and the women of the family to leave.

The village is empty but the two brothers stay to take their share by force in a face-to-face fight.

Javid Farahani

Under The Blade (زیر تیغ) 

    

Synopsis: The story of a woman director who wants to make her film but as there is a rape scene in her script and there are social red line and no actress is willing to play the role in her film just because they are afraid they might get into trouble by law and this is the beginning of the story...

Country: Iran

Duration: 15:00

Brief Biography:

 Born in June, 1987 in Iran. Javid Farahani graduated of BA in Cinema-director, from Sooreh Arts University.

Karina Valencia Gonzalez 

“Shooting Stars “Premier

  Karina is Mexican 2D animator that strives to tell meaningful stories through my work, I hope people can see my art and enjoy it, the same way I’ve done for many other talented creators.

Year of Production.: 2022

Film Duration: 05’:45 ‘’

Genre: Animation – Action

Country of Original Production Company: Mexico

 HENRY DASCA BRAVO (Los Glosters team)

" By the Road "

 

  23 years.  Higher Cycle of Animation at the Tarragona School of Art and Design (2016 - 2018). 

Film Special Effects degree at the FX Animation Academy in Barcelona (2018 - 2021). 

Internship in the audiovisual company Monsuton de Tarragona, collaborating in a 3D mapping for the Diputación de Barcelona (2018). 

Subsequently, collaboration again with Monsuton in a 3D mapping for the 2018-19 year-end chimes for the Tarragona City Council. 

2021 Begins internships (on-line) at Onírikal Studio

Year of Production.: 2021

Film Duration: 2 min 24 seconds

Genre: Animated Music Video

Country of Original Production Company: Spain

Sam Mirhosseini

" Free Flow"

  Sam grew up in Iran. When he reaches his twenties, he flew over to Thailand where he ends up World Champion of Thai Boxing. Five years after his title, he becomes a member of the French Foreign Legion as a parachutist. Joining the French Army makes him a traitor: he is now forbidden to go back to his home country. He settles in France as a professional diver, before becoming an actor. In 2016, he is nominated as Most Promising Actor of the César Awards, for the movie “Ni le ceil in la Terre”, directed by Clément Cogitate. Free Flow, supported by Pictavo, Arta, and the CNC, is his very first short movie as a director. He is currently writing his first feature film.

 

Year of Production.: 2020

Film Duration:29 min

Genre: Fiction

Country of Original Production Company: France

Synopsis:

Zak works as a deep-sea diver in Dunkirk’s dock’s waters. Immigrant from Iran, he arrived in France ten years ago, and got the French nationality after two years enlisted in the Foreign Legion. Keevan also is Iranian. Part of the stream of migrants that just grounded on the French coast, he hopes to reach England and its supposed freedom. Keevan tries to take advantage of Zak’s privileged access to the docks, yet is Zak going to accept to help his compatriot?

Melissa Bolanos Carabali

Inhospitable (INHÓSPITO)

   I am a graphic designer from Universidad del Valle, passionate by animation, drawing and artistic manifestations that allows me a deep connection with my inner voice. I have created three films on my own, one of these was selected at some film festivals. I have participated in a research project, animating characters within an experimental animated short film called: Habitografía (dos) directed by Mónica Bravo and Miguel Bohórquez. I have also participated as an animator in a collective project to be published in the magazine Ecphrasis called “Ensue no en Tierra de Promisión” directed by Tomas Wells.

 

Year of Production.: 2021

Film Duration:07 min

Genre: Fiction

Country of Original Production Company: Colombia

 

Synopsis:

 

The work exposes the different elements that pass through the author's dreamlike flow, leaving her Immersed in the mother's warm womb, a place that can become inhospitable when conceived from the confrontation of the different.

Quincy Davis

Children of the Sun - Premier

Rebel Wise - Make it Through (Music Video)

Rebel Wise - Make it Through (Documentary Short)

Lyla June - North Star feat. (Music Video)

Rebel Wise - Jewels (Music Video)

  Quincy Davis has made an impact as a dedicated music producer, lyricist, recording artist and video producer based
in Portland, USA. Much of Quincy's work draws from life experience out of a self-destructive lifestyle to find his path, and he works with
the power of music, lyricism and visual storytelling to initiate personal and collective transformation. In 2021, he established Seven Vision
Studios, producing media intended to uplift our people and our communities and inspire the new paradigm.

‘Children of the Sun’

  shines light on of the ills of growing up in a society with various forms of addiction and dealing with the pull of the shadows of 'the matrix' technological control system. We intend to offer a song of inspiration to the younger generation, with encouragement to listen to our hearts and be a part of the personal and collective healing necessary at this time, as we continue in our transition process into the new paradigm. Rebel wise featuring Quincy Davis and Mic Crenshaw Produced by Seven Vision Studios Cinematography by Simon Baum of Octavos Media and Alexandra Loves Sponsored by My Voice Music and NEAR Protocol

Year of Production.: July 2022

Film Duration: 05 min 

Premier

1.Rebel Wise - Make it Through (Music Video)

Year of Production.: 2021

Film Duration: 03 min 48’’

 

2.“Rebel Wise”

Film Duration: 03 min 48’’

 

3.“Rebel Wise – Make it through”

Film Duration: 04 min 48’’

 

4.“Rebel Wise – Make it through Documentary”

Film Duration: 08 min 20’’

Genre: Music video

Country of Original Production Company: United States

Film Synopsis:
1. Music video featuring Kunu, Talilo, Toni Hill, Mic Crenshaw and Quincy Davis -- the stories of 4
artists representing 4 ancestral lineages, addressing the unification of our struggles, facing the past
to build a better future, and serving future generations. We are stronger when the hoop is whole.
2. In-depth documentary look behind the artists, their stories and inspiration for their lyrics weaved
into the powerful music video, ‘Make It Through’ addressing historical trauma through 4 different
ancestral lineages and generations.
3. Through the challenges we've been facing due to the lockdowns, missing in-person community
connection, many of us have been struggling to keep up hope. Lyla June and Quincy Davis perform a
song about faith, transformation and liberation from toxic shame. Pleading to the Creator, the artists
sing, "Help me see me through your eyes, so my broken wings can fly." Both June and Davis have
both been caught up in the world of drugs and addiction and have experienced the profound change
that occurs when we hand over our life to higher powers.
4. "Liberation, One by One!" New music video featuring MC's AshEL SeaSunZ, Mic Crenshaw, Quincy
Davis shining light on societal ills and the crossroads we face as humanity, with reverence and
respect for our ancestral knowledge-ways. Special thanks to Huehca Omeyocan, cultural dance
group promoting the practices of the Anahuac (Mesoamerican) people.

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   It is very difficult to select one rather than the other as the best of the fest because all the official selection filmmakers for me are the same as my children and all for me are equal. It is like a circle table which each one of us sat around to follow the same aim. We are all ONE Team who worked to fulfill our ambitions and have a crucial word to share. That is the reason I decided to extend the submission's closing date to the 30th of September to buy time for refreshments and think about selections in a better mood.
​ Follow Sahar Festival news.
Mandana

OFFICIAL SELECTION
Streaming
30th of September - 20th of December 2024: Free of charge
Congratulations to all Filmmakers who participated with us and officially selected for streaming and Screening.

Edition 11

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 In Alphabetical Order 

Premiere Film or Year of production Short Film: 2024

- A Foreign Way of Living 

(Das Leben laut einem Ausserirdischen​)

Director :​ Mau Aguilar - Germany

​- Duality (Dual dad)

Director: JAIME ARTEAGA HEREDIA - Venezuela

- Follow Your Dream

Director: Mandana Ansari - United Kingdom

​- Human Trafficking (Tratar)

Director: David Andrade - Spain  

 - Logbook - Extract 1("Journal de bord – Extrait 1”)

Director: Ethel H.Coussae - France / Paraguay

- Lu and The Ghost (Lu y el fantasma)

Director: Fernando G. Pliego - 2024 -  Spain

​- Me (Man)

Director : Mohammad Ghamari - IRAN

​ Perceidas: 

Director: Izhan Alcántara Pozo - SPAIN

- The Chamber (الشامبري)

Director : Fidae Sabaai - Morocco

- The First to leave(The time of submitting was premiere)

Director: HELIAKIMONA (Helia Serrano Varela) - 2023​

The Forest Of Honey Bees (La Foret Des Abeilles)

 Director: Erwan Le Gal - France

 - Warrior - Director: Quincy Davis - USA

  In Alphabetical Order, not Premiere Film

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- Bubble man Superstar Mission El Cobra

Director: Alban Gilly & Thierry Bonneau​​ - 2023 -France

​- Departure

 Director : Takayuki Yoshikawa - 2023 - Japan

​​- Desamor (Heartbreak)

Director:  Fernando G. Pliego - 2022 - Spain

​- El Jarocho

Director: Patricia Zambrano Solorzano and Ruben Delgado  Mexico - 2019

 - Fragile

Director: Francisco Hervada Martin- 2022 - SPAIN

- Hunting Ground (Chasse Gardee)

Director: Florant Lahousse - 2023 - France​

- Immaculate(Inmaculada)

Director: John Petrizzelli - Spain- 2022

​- Infinity : Director: Milan Zulic - 2022- Switzerland

 - Inheritance (L'Héritage)

Director: Matthew Haag -  2022 - January  -  France, Lebanon​​

- Leonor

 ​Director: Ruben Tadeo- 2023 - Spain

- Macumba

Director: Christian Femena - Reverte - 2023 - Spain

- My Crutch (عکازتی)

Director: Ahmad Tariq Hamad -2022 - Palestine

- Six Feet Under (Six pieds sous terre)

Director: Matthiew Haag - 2023 - France 

Tickling The Earth (Cócegas na Terra)

Director: Mj, Sousa (Maria João Sousa) - Portugal 

- "رجفة " Tremors

Director Name: Nicolas Jacquette -  2023 -Morocco, France, Switzerland

- ​30 Years of Ice

Director : Gabriel Cuny - 2023 - France​

 Premiere Film:

A Foreign Way of Living

 (Das Leben laut einem Ausserirdischen​)

Director :​ Mau Aguilar

Genre: Fiction – Comedy

Year of Production: 2024

 ​​ Duration: 09:52​"

Country of production: German

 ​Rate: For all ages

Duality (Dual dad)

Director: JAIME ARTEAGA HEREDIA

Genre: Social realism, Horror

​Year of Production: 2024

Duration: 6 MINUTES 13 SECONDS​​

Country of Production Company: Venezuela

Premiere Film:

Follow Your Dream

Director: Mandana Ansari

Genre: Fiction, Drama

Year of Processing Production: 2012

Year of Final Production: 2016

Duration: 17:43​"

Country of production: United Kingdom

 ​Rate: +12

​​

Human Trafficking (Tratar)

Director: David Andrade

Film Synopsis: It’s a fictional short film based on real events about how women are deceived into coming to Spain and then trafficked, phisicly and mentaly abused. This short film won the AIETI award in Castilla la Mancha, directed by David Andrade

Year of Production: 2024

Duration: 5 min

Country of production: Spain

Language: Spanish

Rate:+12

 

Premiere Film:

Logbook - Extract 1

("Journal de bord – Extrait 1”)

Director: Ethel H.CoussaU

Genre: Experimental

 Year of Production.: 2024 Film 

Duration: 5’

 Country of production: France / Paraguay

Language: French

Rate: All ages

​​​

Lu and The Ghost

(Lu y el fantasma)

Director: Fernando G. Pliego

Fiction

Year of Production: 2024

Duration: 19:43

Production Country: Spain

Rate: +12

Premiere Film:

Me (Man)

Director : Mohammad Ghamari 

Synopsis: The film is about a young Iranian man who doesn’t know what to do about his life with many obstacles created by sanctions and the political situation in Iran. He wants to emigrate from Iran and go abroad but,,,.

​​​

Genre: Documentary

Year of Production.: 2024

 Duration: 8:59”

Country Of Production: IRAN

​​​

Biography:

Mohamad is 32 years old. He has graduated in economics. He is a short story writer.​

 Perceidas

Director Name: Izhan Alcántara Pozo

Genre: Animation

Year of Production.: 2024

 Duration: 14 mins
Country of production: SPAIN 

Language: SPANISH (SUB ENGLISH)

 Rate: ​For all ages

​​​

Premiere Film:

The Chamber (الشامبري)

Director : Fidae Sabaai

Year of Production.: 2024 Film (or Video)

Genre: Fiction

Duration: 20 minutes

 Country of production: Morocco

 Language: No dialogue

 Rat: +16

The First to leave(Premiere at the time of submission)

Director: HELIAKIMONA (Helia Serrano Varela)

Synopsis: Made by HELIAKIMONA our Space Guiteau (The first to leave) welcomes you. Where in the not-too-distant future... it could be any day in the life of any of us

Genre: Animation

Year of Production: 2023

Duration: 3:

Premiere Film:

The Forest Of Honey Bees

(La Foret Des Abeilles)

 Director: Erwan Le Gal

Genre: Animation

Year of production: January 2024 

 Duration: 20 ‘

 Production country: France

Language: French

Rate: All ages

Country: France 

 

Premiere Film:

 Warrior

Director: Quincy Davis

 Music Video

Year of Production.: 2023

Film (or Video) Duration: 4:40

Country of production: USA

Bubble man Superstar Mission El Cobra

Director: Alban Gilly & Thierry Bonneau​​ 

Year of Production: 2023      

Duration: 14'14''

Genre: Animation, Action, Narrative, comedy, fantasy

Country of Production: France

Rate: +12

Departure

Animation

Director : Takayuki Yoshikawa

Year of Production: 2023

 Duration: 5m11s

Country of production: Japan

Rate: All

Language: English

​​

Desamor (Heartbreak)

Director:  Fernando G. Pliego

Year of production: 2022

Duration: 18:39

Country: Spain

Rate: For all ages

​​

El Jarocho

Director: Patricia Zambrano Solorzano and Ruben Delgado Roque

Genre: Documentary

Duration: 12'58''

Production country: Mexico

Year of Production: 2019

Rate: +12

​​

Fragile

Director: Francisco Hervada Martin

Genre: Fiction, Comedy

Year of Production.: 2022

 Duration: 07 MIN

Language: SPANISH

Rate: All ages

Country of production: SPAIN

 

Hunting Ground (Chasse Gardee)

Director: Florant Lahousse

Fiction, Suspense

Duration: 14’:17’’

2023

France

Immaculate (Inmaculada) 
Director Name: John Petrizzelli

​Duration: 12 '
Year of Production: 2022
Country of production: Spain
Language: no dialogue Rate: + 12

Infinity

Director: Milan Zuric
Experimental
Year of Production.: 2022
Duration:  6.'
Country: Switzerland
Rate: All ages​

​​​

Inheritance (L'Héritage)

Director: Matthew Haag

Year of Production: 2022 - January 

Genre: Fiction, social realism, Art Film 

Duration: 18 minutes 

Production country: France, Lebanon

 Language: Arabic 

Content rating: Suitable for all audiences
​​​​

Leonor

 ​Director: Ruben Tadeo

Animation

Year of Production: 2023

Duration: 14 '

Country of production: Spain

 Rate: +13

Macumba

Christian Femena I Reverte

Fiction