The Iranian film 'Whisper My Name' won two prizes at the closing of the first Jammu and Kashmir International Film Festival in India, which concluded on Thursday evening.
The film, directed by Rasoul Sadrameli, was recognized as Best Film, and Amin Hayai received the award for Best Actor for his performance, according to the publication Honaronline.
The plot tells the story of Zibe, a teenage student worker. Living in a dormitory without family ties to her parents, she dreams of having her own room and fights for independence. The situation becomes complicated with the appearance of her father, Hosro, who escaped from a psychiatric hospital to celebrate his daughter's birthday.
The 2025 drama features Amin Hayai, Juliet Rezaei, Mehhran Ghafouriani, and Setareh Pesyani. It is worth noting that this film previously won the Best Film award at the Fajr Film Festival in 2025.
Saman Lotfian's cinematography conveys various aspects of the city with realism and artistry, sometimes showcasing scenes of exceptional beauty. However, the director notes that an excessive number of close-ups ceases to be effective after a certain point. Bahram Dehghani's editing maintains a fast pace, which suits the episodic nature of the story.
Through this film, director Sadrameli continues to explore Iranian family ethics. The main focus is on the relationship between father and daughter, and the overall atmosphere of the picture is described as a 'suffocating tropical forest, a oppressive home.'
According to Sadrameli, 'all over the world you can find lonely young people trapped in cages of poverty and family problems. In some countries, other elements are discussed—for example, traditions and duties. But we must move forward to make the world better for them. We must find a way to connect with them. It seems that to bridge the gap between generations, we have no choice but to enter into a dialogue with each other, understand each other, and learn to love each other.'
The first Jammu and Kashmir International Film Festival screened 135 films from approximately 40 countries. Organizers reported that the festival received about 1100 applications from more than 80 countries.
The festival, organized by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Jammu and Kashmir Territory, ran from September 7 to 10 under the theme 'Rang-e-Cinema'. Its goal is to promote artistic excellence, cinematic innovation, and cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of world cinema.
The festival program included an international competition, curated screenings, and special sections for feature, documentary, short, and regional films, including the J&K Select and Bharat Panorama categories. Ultimately, the festival aims to bring together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences in one of India's most unique cultural landscapes.