Renowned Iranian filmmaker Amir Naderi will lead the international short film jury at Taiwan’s upcoming festival. The 2026 Kaohsiung Film Festival will host the annual cinematic event in Taiwan from October 9 through 26. Naderi will head a five-member jury panel evaluating entries across multiple genres and creative filmmaking styles. Organizers selected 60 total short film finalists from thousands of international submissions originating worldwide.
Alongside his jury leadership duties, Naderi will present a digitally restored version of his acclaimed masterwork. The 1984 Iranian masterpiece The Runner will make its official Taiwan premiere during special festival screenings. Audience members can attend scheduled screenings at the Kaohsiung Film Archive alongside lead actor Majid Niroumand. Both Naderi and Niroumand plan to engage in post-screening discussions with international film enthusiasts.
The narrative follows Amiro, an impoverished orphaned child navigating daily life in the southern port city. The central character earns a meager living by shining shoes and collecting discarded glass bottles. Amiro persistently pursues education to overcome harsh economic conditions and build a brighter future. Naderi drew heavily from his personal childhood experiences growing up in southern Iranian coastal communities.
International film critics consider The Runner a foundational masterpiece of post-revolution Iranian New Wave cinema. The landmark film previously earned major international accolades at European festivals following its initial release. Born in Abadan in 1946, Naderi has historically focused his cinematic narratives on marginalized working-class youth. Global film historians recognize his early visual works as pioneering achievements in modern world cinema.