Under the theme “Cinema - Soaring Creativity”, the 7th Hanoi International Film Festival (HANIFF) concluded with a grand closing ceremony on the evening of November 11.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long presents the award for Best Feature Film to  Hard Shell from Iran. Photo: Cong An Nhan Dan

The event, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Hanoi Municipal People's Committee, brought together 800 delegates from Vietnam and around the world.

Over the course of the festival, 117 films from 51 countries and territories were screened in three major cinemas in Hanoi, underscoring the city's growing role as a vibrant hub for global cinematic exchange.

According to Vi Kien Thanh, Director of the Department of Cinema, the festival's in-depth professional activities, ranging from seminars and exhibitions to the film market and exchanges between filmmakers and audiences, would help foster a dynamic and vibrant cinematic scene in Vietnam.

These events have not only gathered a large number of local filmmakers, but also international audiences, broadening the festival's global appeal.

"It also contributes to enriching Hanoi's entertainment scene and fostering Hanoi tourism,” he said.

The cover of the award-winning film Hard Shell (Iran)

During the closing ceremony, the Organizing Committee presented awards to outstanding films, actors, and directors in recognition of their achievements.

Among the awards presented, the Best Feature Film went to "Hard Shell" from Iran and the Best Short Film to "A Bird Flew" from Colombia.

The award for Best Short Film Director went to Nasim Forough for "Typesetter" (Iran), and the "Best Feature Film Director" honor was given to Majid-Reza Mostafavi for "Hard Shell". "Hard Shell" also won the award for Best Feature Film Actor, which went to Payman Maadi. Meanwhile, Tiina Tauraite won Best Feature Film Actress for her role in "8 Views of Lake Biwa" from Estonia.

Ngoc Xuan was the only Vietnamese actress to receive an award at the festival, winning the Promising Young Actress Award (for those aged 18 to 35) for her role in “Once Upon a Love Story”.

The Jury Prize for Feature Film went to "8 Views of Lake Biwa" (Estonia), while the Jury Prize for Short Film was presented to "The Rubber Tappers" (Cambodia).

Ngoc Xuan, Vietnam, won the Promising Young Actress Award for her performance in the film Once Upon a Love Story. Photo: Cong An Nhan Dan

The Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet) Award went to the feature film "Liar" (Russian Federation). The Vietnamese Film Award for Audience Favorite was won by the film "Our Blossom", a Vietnam-Hungary film project.

Also at the closing ceremony, the organizing committee awarded certificates of merit from the Hanoi People's Committee to directors and screenwriters of films about Hanoi. These individuals, with their film products, have contributed to the socio-economic development of the capital by participating in and responding to the 7th Hanoi International Film Festival.