The Iranian documentary ‘Poets of Life’ directed by Shirin Barqnavard has won the Special Jury Award at the 14th Green Film Festival in Seoul (GFFIS) in South Korea.
Competing in the Green Competition section, the 73-minute production is about Shirin Parsi, who after receiving a BA in French literature from the University of Paris, returns to Iran and starts helping her in-laws in rice farming, Mehr News Agency reported.
Her husband’s family promotes sustainable farming and refrains from using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. In a region where more and more farmers are selling their farms at very cheap prices to real estate developers, her in-laws produce 100% organic rice. The film follows her efforts to bring about social and environmental change.
Born in Tehran, Barqnavard, 41, is an independent documentary filmmaker who focuses on social and women’s issues. She is a member of the Iranian Documentary Film Association (IRDFA) and the Iranian Short Film Association (ISFA).
The GFFIS is the biggest film festival in Korea focusing on environmental issues. Launched in 2004 by Korea Green Foundation, it seeks to share the hope for a better world where everybody can live in harmony with the environment and nature.
The 14th edition was held from May 18-24.
