2023

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MOHY QUANDOUR

The Honorary Jury President, Mohy Quandour (aka Mohydeen Quandour. 1938 – 2023), was a Hollywood veteran, award-winning director, producer, screenwriter, and author with over 50 years of experience in the film industry. Internationally recognized, he was honored with over 100 awards throughout his illustrious career.

Starting in New York, Mohy made his mark in Hollywood in the early seventies, becoming known for his work on iconic television classics like Mannix and Bonanza. He went on to direct films such as Cold Wind and The Spectre of Edgar Allan Poe, and produced celebrated documentaries like The Last Horsemen and Musical Journey. His film Cherkess (2010) earned him 7 International Awards at the Monaco International Film Festival.

A true polymath, Mohy was also a classical music composer and a prolific author, having published over 50 novels worldwide. His ability to balance business with the creative arts left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mohy was a devoted husband, father, and mentor to many aspiring filmmakers. His passion for storytelling and his unwavering commitment to the arts inspired countless individuals. His presence will continue to resonate, both in the hearts of those who knew him and in the lasting impact of his work.

Mohy lived in Windsor, UK, with his wife, Luba Balagova Quandour, the founder of SIFFA, and their two sons. His presence and guidance at SIFFA will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever be a part of the festival's spirit and future.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MOHY QUANDOUR

The Honorary Jury President, Mohy Quandour, was a Hollywood veteran, award-winning director, producer, screenwriter, and author with over 50 years of experience in the film industry. Internationally recognised, he was honored with over 100 awards throughout his illustrious career.

Starting in New York, Mohy made his mark in Hollywood in the early seventies, becoming known for his work on iconic television classics like Mannix and Bonanza. He went on to direct films such as Cold Wind and The Spectre of Edgar Allan Poe, and produced celebrated documentaries like The Last Horsemen and Musical Journey. His film Cherkess (2010) earned him 7 International Awards at the Monaco International Film Festival.

A true polymath, Mohy was also a classical music composer and a prolific author, having published over 50 novels worldwide. His ability to balance business with the creative arts left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mohy was a devoted husband, father, and mentor to many aspiring filmmakers. His passion for storytelling and his unwavering commitment to the arts inspired countless individuals. His presence will continue to resonate, both in the hearts of those who knew him and in the lasting impact of his work.

Mohy lived in Windsor, UK, with his wife, Luba Balagova Quandour, the founder of SIFFA, and their two sons. His presence and guidance at SIFFA will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever be a part of the festival's spirit and future.

WINNERS

IRIDA Russian-British International Film Festival and Awards (SIFFA 2023)

SHORT FILM COMPETITION

The winner was chosen from the competition films by the following jury members:

photo of ELISABETH JONES

ELISABETH JONES

HEAD OF THE JURY (SHORT FILMS).

photo of DAVID FAIRMAN

DAVID FAIRMAN

MEMBER OF JURY(SHORT FILMS).

photo of DEBRA WOOTTON

DEBRA WOOTTON

JURY MEMBER (SHORT FILMS).

Best Short Film - I DO NOT EXIST by Samuel J May;

Best Short Animation - GETTING TO THE MOON by Joshua Nicholson;

Best Short Compassionate - TOSHA MAMON-TOSHA by Oksana Stashenko;

Best Short Film Director - Aleksandr Letunov for INHERITANCE;

Short Film Special Mention - AUTUMN EQUINOX by Luis Felipe Moncada;

DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

The winner was chosen from the competition films by the following jury members:

photo of SYLVIE BOLIOLI

SYLVIE BOLIOLI

HEAD OF JURY(DOCUMENTARIES).

photo of ROSA RUSSO

ROSA RUSSO

MEMBER OF JURY(DOCUMENTARIES).

Best Documentary Film - APNEA by Stefano Poggioni, Claudia Cataldi, Elena Poggioni;

Best Short Documentary - PACING THE POOL by Radheya Jegatheva;

Short Documentary Special Mention - ADAPTIVE ADVENTURE by Meg White;

MAIN COMPETITION

The winners were chosen from the competition films by the following jury members:

photo of Mohy Quandour

MOHY QUANDOUR

HONORARY JURY PRESIDENT, PRODUCER.

photo of GULRUKH KHAN

GULRUKH KHAN

MEMBER OF THE JURY(MAIN COMPETITION).

photo of KARL BARDOSH

KARL BARDOSH

HEAD OF JURY (MAIN COMPETITION).

photo of PETRA TERZI

PETRA TERZI

MEMBER OF THE JURY(MAIN COMPETITION).

photo of GRANT MILLER

GRANT MILLER

MEMBER OF THE JURY(MAIN COMPETITION).

Best Film - DO NOT BURY ME WITHOUT IVAN by Luybov Borisova;

Best Directing - Ali Atshani for PAPER DREAM;

Best Screenplay - Jaber Ghasem Ali and Ali Atshani for PAPER DREAM;

Best Ensemble - GORGON MEDUSA;

Best Cinematography - Sema Amanatov for DO NOT BURY ME WITHOUT IVAN;

Best Actress - Special Jury Consideration for Best Female Lead Actor: Svetlana Memresheva for KNOTS;

Best Actor - Aleksandr Chichakhov for DO NOT BURY ME WITHOUT IVAN;

Best Child Actor - Amir Kumratov for AUL CHALLENGE;

Best Editing - Ali Atshani and Ehsan Akbari for PAPER DREAM;

Best Music - Varvara Rogovich and the ANTE Orchestra for GORGON MEDUSA;

President's Award - GIPSY BILLIONAIRE by Joel Van der Molen;

SIFFA Award for Great Contribution to the Art of Filmmaking - Vladimir Alienikov;

Audience Choice - MERCY LAND by Simon Rickards;