The “MENA” International Film Festival Concludes with Iranian Film Taking Top Honors
The eighth edition of the “MENA” International Film Festival 2025 concluded yesterday, April 6th, in The Hague, culminating in the Iranian film “Shoteh” (Foolish) receiving the Grand Prize for Best Film.
The festival, organized by the Mesopotamia Foundation and overseen by Iraqi poet Mohammad Amin Al-Karkhi, took place over two days, April 5th and 6th, at Theater De Vaillant. It celebrated independent cinema from the Middle East and North Africa, with a focus on works addressing anti-discrimination issues.
The jury lauded the winning film “Shoteh” as a “stunning” work, praising its “original approach and realistic subject matter,” the “exceptional mastery of cinematography,” and the “beautiful cinematic language” used by the director to tell the story. The jury also highlighted the film’s powerful message and the ability of its “eloquent silence” to narrate events.
In addition to the Grand Prize, the festival recognized other notable Arab cinematic achievements. The Iraqi film “Once Upon a Time in Mosul” by Abdullah Khaled received the Peace and Justice Award, in recognition of its tender story about a man who cherishes his local cinema in a war-torn city.
The Iranian film “Elaheh” (Goddess) by Pouya Talebnia and Hadis Moradi also won the same award for its narrative excellence and original treatment of its subject.
In the acting categories, Algerian actor Boudjemaa Abdelrahman won the Best Actor award for his moving performance in “The Night of Abed.” The Best Actress award was shared by Zizi Mahmoud for her role in the Egyptian film “Bird Trap,” and Nadia Kounda for her outstanding performance in the Moroccan film “The Mother’s Embrace” by Kinda Tazi, which tells the story of a single mother and an orphaned infant.
Another Moroccan film, “Silent Whispers” by young Moroccan director Maryam Jebbouri, starring veteran Moroccan actor Mohamed Khouyi and addressing the issue of autism, won the Audience Award.
The jury also gave a special mention to the Moroccan film “The Shepherd’s Silence,” commending its artistic and original approach and its ability to shed light on important social and political issues.
The festival featured the participation of fourteen films, as well as artistic workshops and distinguished musical performances, with captivating shows by the Iranian Dars-e Eshgh Ensemble and the Moroccan Tizwit Ensemble.
According to its media director, Iraqi poet Mohammad Amin Al-Karkhi, who resides in the Netherlands, the festival aims to provide a platform for independent filmmakers in the Middle East and North Africa and to present their cinematic visions to both Dutch and Arab audiences.
The “MENA” International Film Festival successfully concluded its activities, reaffirming its important role in supporting independent cinema and promoting cultural and artistic exchange. The judging panel included Dutch-Algerian director Karim Traïdia, Swiss-Algerian director Tahar Houchi, Dutch theater director Sigrid de Zwart, and Yemeni writer Huda Al-Attas.