Two Iranian short films, “I Am a Woman” directed by Sahar Mahmoudi and “Laundry” directed by Maryam Ghasemi, have been selected from over 3,500 submissions from 65 countries to compete in the 9th Women International Film Festival (WIFF).

This edition of the festival, centered around the theme “Women and Visual Resistance”, features outstanding works by women filmmakers from around the globe. Only 45 films made it to the competitive section, and the inclusion of two Iranian entries marks a significant achievement for independent women-led cinema in Iran.

“I Am a Woman” presents a bold and personal narrative about female identity and resilience, while “Laundry” offers a sharp look into social inequalities in everyday life. Both films give voice to stories often overlooked.

Their presence among WIFF’s finalists not only reflects the creativity and distinct vision of Iranian women filmmakers but also highlights the growing global recognition of Iran’s women-centric cinema.