The first Iranian documentary film to win the Panda Award in the U.K occurred on October 19, 2018. There were 800 film submissions to the Wildscreen film festival in the UK (held from October 15 – 19). Out of these 800 films, 37 films were nominated for the Panda award. Fourteen Panda awards were provided in 14 categories.

Wildscreen is ranked first in Wildlife in the world and was established in the UK 36 years ago.

The major goal of festival is to convene the best photographers, filmmakers and creative professionals with the most committed conservationists to create compelling stories about the natural world; that inspire the wider public to experience it, feel part of it and protect it.

An Iranian film in the talent category received the first ever Panda award. The main goal of Spider-tailed viper film, produced by Mohammad Ala in Iran, is to protect the habitat of this creature. The award for the film and Mahmoud who did not get a visa to attend this festival was collected by its producer, Dr. Mohammad Ala.

This Iranian film was produced in Iran with all Iranian crew and was funded by its independent producer which took six years to produce it.

Click the link here for viewing the list of 2018 Wildscreen Panda Award winners …

Dr. Mohammad Ala received the Panda Award on October 19, 2018. Note that Dr. Mohammad Ala is also the Recipient of the Grand Prix Film Italia Award in 2013 (for more click here …)

Winning the award created interest worldwide to save the spider-tailed viper. Once negotiations for streaming is completed, it will become public for everyone to observe this unique creature which is only found in Iran’s Ilam Province.

A brief video of this documentary can be seen by clicking here …

Finally, readers are encouraged to view this link on a recent German-Iranian film “Liebe auf Persisch