“Phoenix” Receives Special Jury Mention at Religion Today Film Festival

The animation “Phoenix” directed by Mona Shams and produced by Documentary, Experimental & Animation Film Center (DEFC), which was selected for the competition section of the 27th Today Film Festival in Italy, received the Special Jury Mention.

According to the Jury Statement, “The film merges the artistry of animation with the rawness of real-life experiences; a powerful animation documentary from Iran that explores the profound themes of migration and the search for a new homeland. Through the poignant story of a soldier who decides to leave everything behind and start again, this film offers a deeply moving portrayal of the courage it takes to rebuild one's life. And the Special Jury Mention for the Short Animation goes to… Phoenix.”

Born in 1997 as the first Italian festival of spiritual cinema and inter-religious dialogue, in 2024 the Religion Today Film Festival celebrated its 27th anniversary.

The Festival was held on September 18th-25th, 2024.