A New Milestone in Shiraz The Tunisian feature Round 13, directed by Mohamed Ali Nahdi and produced by Malek Kchibati, continues its impressive inter
A New Milestone in Shiraz
The Tunisian feature Round 13, directed by Mohamed Ali Nahdi and produced by Malek Kchibati, continues its impressive international rise with a major new accolade. The film was awarded the Crystal Simorgh for Best Film within the “Future Frames” competition at the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival in Shiraz. The winning announcement, made during the closing ceremony at the Honar Shahr Aftab Cinema Complex, marks a significant new chapter in the film’s already celebrated festival journey.
From Tallinn to Cairo: A Growing Global Footprint
Round 13 first captured international attention at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, where critics praised its bold cinematic vision and emotional intensity. Its momentum grew further at the 46th Cairo International Film Festival, where Tunisian actress Afaf Ben Mahmoud won Best Actress in the Arab Cinema Horizons section for her powerful portrayal of Samia, a mother navigating grief and emotional collapse. The jury highlighted the depth and authenticity of her performance, calling it one of the film’s greatest strengths.
Crystal Simorgh Triumph at Fajr
Competing in a category dedicated to first and second films, Round 13 stood out among ten international productions. The Fajr jury — Deniz Yavuz (Turkey), Hai Enrie Moury (France), and Mehdi Karampour (Iran) — awarded the Crystal Simorgh jointly to Round 13 and the Iranian feature Two Autumns for Jahan. The recognition celebrates both films’ artistic clarity, emotional precision, and strong narrative construction. The ceremony brought together major cultural figures including Iran’s Minister of Culture Seyed Abbas Salehi and Cinema Organization President Raed Farzadeh.
A Story of Pain, Resilience, and Emotional Battle
Directed by Mohamed Ali Nahdi, the film stars Afaf Ben Mahmoud and Helmi Dridi as parents whose lives are shaken when their young son Sabri is diagnosed with a malignant tumor. The narrative unfolds as a series of emotional “rounds,” with each moment revealing the shifting psychological landscape of a family confronting irreversible loss. Through sharp visual storytelling and intense performances, the film exposes the fragility and strength that accompany grief.
A Defining Moment for Contemporary Tunisian Cinema
With its daring aesthetic choices and deeply human storytelling, Round 13 is emerging as one of Tunisia’s most influential cinematic works of the year. Its consecutive successes — from Tallinn to Cairo to Shiraz — highlight the film’s universal resonance and its ability to connect with audiences across cultures. The Crystal Simorgh win not only elevates the film’s international profile but also reaffirms Tunisia’s growing impact on the global film landscape.
Article by: Nabil Alani (TheWorldScreen)
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