Posted by 
North American Premiere is set for September 6th, 2025, at the Independent Shorts Awards Annual Event in Los Angeles
Independent Shorts Awards is proud to announce Siasar, written and directed by Afghan filmmaker Mahmoud Sharifi Asl, as the recipient of the Special Jury Award: Best Short of the Season for the June 2025 edition. A haunting and humane narrative grounded in the realities of rural Afghanistan, Siasar stands out for its uncompromising storytelling and profound social relevance.
A Story Rooted in Urgency and Truth
Set in a secluded Afghan village, Siasar tells the story of a conservative Maulvi who imposes harsh punishments on women who teach girls—until the day he finds himself in desperate need of a female doctor for his wife’s childbirth. The twist of fate confronts him with the same teacher he had publicly condemned.
Tense, poignant, and deeply human, Siasar explores themes of authority, guilt, and redemption. It sheds light on the cost of patriarchal violence while elevating the quiet resilience of Afghan women who, against all odds, continue to serve and uplift their communities.
The film was produced entirely in Afghanistan on a budget of approximately $20,000 USD. The cast features Afghan actors such as Abdolzaher Ejtemaee, Abdolhakim Vafa, and Sanam Sadat.
The Voice Behind the Vision
Mahmoud Sharifi Asl is an emerging filmmaker who has studied under acclaimed Iranian directors Shahram Mokri and two?time Academy Award winner Asghar Farhadi, whose influence is evident in his subtle storytelling and moral complexity. His mission is clear: to be a voice for Afghan women.
“Women in Afghanistan are oppressed and do not have basic facilities. I want to be their voice so that they can live like a human being and be influential for their children and country,” says Sharifi Asl.
His filmmaking journey reflects extraordinary bravery. At a time when speaking out on issues such as gender inequality and religious hypocrisy can carry serious personal risks, Sharifi Asl not only tackles these themes—but does so while filming inside Afghanistan. This bold decision lends Siasar an unmistakable authenticity and makes the film’s very existence a form of resistance. It is an act of cinematic defiance in defense of dignity and truth.
A Celebrated Journey
Siasar has been making a strong impression on the international festival circuit since its premiere in late 2023. Among its recent accolades is the Best Foreign-Language Short of the Season (Special Jury Award) in the January 2025 edition of our associate festival, Indie Short Fest, which has secured the film a spot at the 2025/2026 Annual Awards next spring.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Independent Shorts Awards jury was particularly moved by the film’s emotional depth, ethical conflict, and quiet but powerful performances. Siasar is a testament to how short films can confront injustice and inspire empathy across borders.
We congratulate Mahmoud Sharifi Asl and the entire cast and crew of Siasar for this exceptional achievement. With this award, Siasar officially joins the shortlist for the 2025 Annual Awards and will be screened on September 6th at Regal LA Live in Los Angeles, marking its North American premiere.
Independent Shorts Awards 2018-2025 © All Rights Reserved
One comment