The 42nd Tehran International Short Film Festival (TISFF) has officially kicked off at the Iran Mall Cinema Complex, spotlighting the theme of Rationality and Intellectualism in this year’s selection of films.

Held annually by the Iranian Youth Cinema Society (IYCS), the festival continues its legacy as one of Iran’s most prestigious platforms for short film production and global cinematic exchange.

This year’s international competition jury features prominent names from the global film industry, including Saeid Ebrahimifar, Thom Palmen, Mirona Radu, Damien Kocur, and Joe Chang. The panel will evaluate entries across fiction, animation, documentary, and experimental categories.

In a tribute to lifelong dedication, TISFF 2025 will honor Iranian filmmaker and educator Arash Rassafi for over 35 years of contribution to the development of Iranian short cinema. His influence has been pivotal in nurturing young talents within the IYCS and beyond.

The Tehran International Short Film Festival remains officially recognized by the Academy Awards, granting its Grand Prize winner eligibility for Oscar consideration. This recognition underscores the festival’s rising global relevance and cinematic quality.

A 290-page festival catalog has been published to guide and support attendees throughout the event. The festival, directed this year by Behrooz Shoaibi, will run from October 19 to 24, 2025, bringing together local and international filmmakers, critics, and cinema enthusiasts.