Celebrating Creativity: Highlights from the Rome Prisma Film Awards
The 22nd March 2024 marked a significant moment for the Rome Prisma Film Awards as filmmakers and enthusiasts gathered at Cinema Farnese in Rome to celebrate the culmination of the last season. Among the esteemed recipients of certificates were Ehsan Majouni, director of the captivating film “Cover,” a finalist from the May 2022-2023 season, and Ashkan Zehtab, whose experimental short film “Lymph” earned recognition as a finalist in November 2023. The evening commenced with a vibrant atmosphere at “Enoteca Il Piccolo” on Via del Governo Vecchio 74, where filmmakers mingled, exchanged ideas, and forged connections. The camaraderie continued as attendees made their way to Cinema Farnese, where the screening of five Best of Fest nominees from the past four months captivated audiences, underscoring the depth of talent and creativity within the cinematic community.
As the event unfolded, it became evident that the Rome Prisma Film Awards served not only as a platform for honoring outstanding cinematic achievements but also as a catalyst for fostering collaboration and camaraderie among filmmakers. From the convivial atmosphere at “Enoteca Il Piccolo” to the captivating screenings at Cinema Farnese, the evening was a testament to the power of storytelling to unite and inspire. With each certificate awarded and each film screened, the Rome Prisma Film Awards reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating diversity, creativity, and innovation in cinema, promising an exciting future ahead for both established and emerging talents in the industry.
In the realm of cinema, there exists a unique power to delve into the depths of human existence, to unravel the complexities of our emotions and experiences. Within this realm, Ashkan Zehtab’s “Lymph” stands as a poignant testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. Directed by the visionary filmmaker Ashkan Zehtab, “Lymph” is an experimental short film that offers a raw and introspective journey into the psyche of a woman grappling with the looming specter of cancer. Set against the backdrop of an unforgiving diagnosis, the film follows the protagonist’s courageous struggle to reclaim her everyday life from the clutches of despair and inevitability.
At its core, “Lymph” serves as a profound meditation on the existential dread that accompanies the diagnosis of a life-altering illness. Through the lens of Zehtab’s evocative storytelling, we are invited to confront the harrowing reality that illness, in its myriad forms, represents the dark underbelly of human existence.
In a poignant director’s note, Zehtab reveals the personal inspiration behind the film, citing a conversation with a friend who, despite overcoming cancer, remained haunted by the inescapable shadow of mortality. This revelation serves as the catalyst for “Lymph,” igniting a twofold narrative that explores both the universal fear of death and the innate human desire to reclaim agency over one’s own existence. Through its innovative narrative structure and haunting visual imagery, “Lymph” transcends the confines of traditional storytelling, offering viewers a visceral and immersive experience that resonates on a profound emotional level. From the stark juxtaposition of light and shadow to the hauntingly beautiful cinematography, every frame of the film is imbued with a sense of raw authenticity and emotional depth. Read More About This Film
At the heart of cinematic exploration lies the ability to peel back the layers of reality and delve into the intricacies of the human experience. Ehsan Majouni’s “Cover,” a celebrated fiction film presented at the recent Rome Prisma Film Awards, exemplifies this notion with its compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes. Originally showcased at the Torino Underground Film Festival in 2023, “Cover” takes audiences on a mesmerizing journey into the world of motion capture studios, where an actor finds himself grappling with forces beyond his control. As the protagonist attempts to create a creature within the confines of the studio, the narrative takes unexpected twists and turns, challenging notions of identity, perception, and reality itself.
Majouni’s masterful storytelling is evident in every frame of “Cover,” as he skillfully navigates the complexities of the human psyche and the blurred lines between illusion and truth. Through evocative imagery and poignant symbolism, the film invites viewers to question the nature of existence and the fluidity of perception.
Central to the film’s thematic exploration is the concept of transformation and the idea that nothing remains stagnant in the ever-shifting landscape of life. In the cover letter accompanying the film, Majouni poignantly reflects on the inherent mutability of existence, noting that even the most seemingly immutable objects undergo change when subjected to repetition or recontextualization. Indeed, “Cover” serves as a profound meditation on the nature of creation and the transformative power of art. As the protagonist grapples with the consequences of his actions within the motion capture studio, audiences are compelled to confront their own perceptions of reality and the inherent fluidity of identity.
In the end, “Cover” stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities of cinema to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and challenge conventions. Through its captivating narrative and rich symbolism, Ehsan Majouni’s film leaves an indelible impression on viewers, inviting them to peel back the layers of illusion and uncover the truth that lies beneath. Read More About This Film
I Am Irani: Screening At 5th IRoDi Festival In Thessaloniki (Greece)
I Am Irani, a docudrama directed by Farhad Irani has won the 2nd WINNER AWARDS at the 5th Reflection of Disability in Art” (iRoDi Film Festival). Below the 5th Festival “The Reflection of Disability in Art” of the University of Macedonia Press release 8-10/12/2023.
“Private” Takes Center Stage At The 11th Edition Of The ÍRÁN:CI International Film Festival – Sara Mokhavat’s acclaimed film, “Private,” had the spotlight at the 11th edition of the ÍRÁN:CI International Film Festival, captivating audiences during its screening in two prominent Czech cities, Prague and Brno. The festival unfolded from the 17th to the 25th of January, showcasing a diverse array of Iranian cinema. “Private” left its mark, contributing to the festival’s cultural tapestry with its compelling narrative and cinematic artistry, affirming its status as an appreciated and noteworthy film. The event, held in two significant locations, underscores the global appeal of Sara Mokhavat’s work and the international recognition garnered by “Private” within the realm of the ÍRÁN:CI International Film Festival.
We Must Be Dreamers: Diary Of An Artistic Journey In The Heart Of Rome – We are independent, so we are always dreaming about our films. We must be dreamers. We must dream about our works and our dreams. These are Hesam Sharifi’s words, the director of the Short film Zaqqum, The Tree Of Hell, at the Rome Prisma Film Awards final ceremony.
Cover, the short film directed by Ehsan Majouni, was screened on 23 September 2023 at the prestigious Cinema Baretti in Turin, Italy, and during the 10° Torino Underground Cinefest(TUC10). The producer Sepideh Norouzi and Distributor Hadi Farahmand attended the Festival while the director Ehsan Majouni, was absent from the event.
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