JUNKS & DOLLS wins Special Jury Award in IrFFNY 2025
Manijeh Hekmat’s JUNKS & DOLLS won Special Jury Award in the 3rd IrFFNY – Iranian Film Festival, New York (January 29th to February 6th, 2025 / NY, USA).
In the race for the awards, eight feature films, including THE OLD BACHELOR, MY FAVORITE CAKE, THE KILLER AND THE SAVAGE, IN THE ARMS OF THE TREE, ONCE UPON A TIME, ABADAN, JUNKS & DOLLS, UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE and CAUSE OF DEATH: UNKNOWN, the jury, constituted of Eric Kohn, Rachel Lambert, Rosaline Elbay & James Shani, decided to give the Special Jury Award to Manijeh Hekmat’s film.
In its statement, the jury declared, “It has been a privilege not only to watch these incredible films but also to share this space with a community that values cinema as a means of connection. Festivals like this carve out a space for art and storytelling, even in the face of immense challenges. Over the past week, we have had the honor of celebrating each story on screen, recognizing the power of film to unite us. No matter our language or background, we laughed together, fell silent in awe, and gasped in unison. This is the magic of cinema—it reminds us of our shared humanity.”
JUNKS & DOLLS has been already screened at Kolkata International Film Festival 2023 (Special Screening), International Film Festival of Kerala 2023 (World Cinema), Dhaka International Film Festival 2024 (Best Film Award in the Women Filmmakers Competition), Women’s International Film Festival – India 2024 (World Cinema), Phoenix Film Festival 2024 (World Cinema Competition), SIEFF – Seoul International Eco Film Festival 2024 (International Competition), Galway Film Fleadh 2024 (World Cinema Competition), Frames of Freedom Film Festival 2024 (Iran Focus Program), Kinoshock Film Festival 2024 (Feature Film Competition), BIAFF – Batumi International Art Film Festival 2024 (Feature Film Competition), Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2024 (NETPAC Competition), Matera Film Festival 2024 (Feature Film Competition), FLIFF – Fort Lauderdale IFF 2024 (Official Selection), Asia Pacific Film Festival 2024 (Best Actress, Best Production Design and Best Music Nominee), Wales International Film Festival 2024 (Best Foreign Language Film Nominee) and FLIFF Encore Screenings 2024.