
The 49th Seattle International Film Festival, taking place held May 11-21, 2023, will screen 264 films representing 74 countries, including 94 narrative features, 45 documentaries, four archival films, two secret screenings, and 125 short films.

The Iranian social drama Summer with Hope directed by Sadaf Foroughi won the Grand Prix – Crystal Globe at the 56th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. In the film, a young swimmer is training for the national championships with his new coach, but the relationship between the two young men elicits disapproval from the people around them. “We live in a world full of violence and discrimination. I hope that our stories bring peace and tranquility,” said director Sadaf Foroughi to the jury and her colleagues.