We welcome short film submissions from any genre including drama, documentary, comedy, fantasy, action - the unifying theme being that they are all rooted in lived experience and address contemporary social issues. They can be films which have previously been screened in Iran, they may be escaping state censorship to reach wider audiences, or reflecting the experiences of Iranians living in diaspora.

The screening of each film is followed by the opportunity for the audience to discuss the issues raised. The maker of each film screened will then receive a brief summary of the post-screening discussion on how their film resonated with the audience.

At the end of each screening, the audience will be invited to select their favourite film. If audience votes are close, there can be joint winners or special mentions. 

A fee waiver is available for filmmakers submitting from Iran. To apply for the waiver, please send a link to a screening copy of the submission with password to contact@livedperspectives.co.uk

Iranian filmmakers submitting from other countries who are able to conduct financial transactions with the UK are asked to pay a small submission fee. You will be helping us to finance future editions of Whispers from Iran and support other members of our communities