HONORABLE MENTION – BEST INTERNATIONAL

• THE CAT
• Director: Peyam Shadniya
• WORLD Premiere
• USA, 2025, 12 min
• Category: Drama• Suspense

It should be noted that the sitting cat symbolizes Iran’s geographical map, which holds significant importance for Iranians. The short film “Cat” follows the story of people forced to leave Iran due to economic and political challenges. They board a ship to reach their intended destination, but along the way, smugglers kill them. Only one person survives—someone who jumps into the sea to save a cat.