Toronto, Canada – Iranian filmmaker Sonia Nouri has added another milestone to her rising international career, winning two prestigious awards at the closing ceremony of the 9th Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival (TNIFF) held on September 13.
Nouri’s two short films, For Sale and Supplemental Order, both received top honors. For Sale earned her the Best Female Filmmaker (Producer/Director) Award, while Supplemental Order secured the Best Director Award, underscoring her growing reputation as one of the bold new voices in world cinema.
In her acceptance speech, Nouri expressed heartfelt gratitude to her cast, crew, and parents, dedicating the award to the women of Iran. “This award is for all Iranian women who continue to fight courageously to achieve their dreams and goals,” she said, receiving strong applause from the audience.
Both films, written, directed, and produced by Nouri, explore powerful human stories with psychological and social depth.
- For Sale (2024), an eight-minute drama, follows the struggles of a woman working as a toilet cleaner while wrestling with the difficult decision of whether to abort her child. Through her journey, the film highlights the resilience of women facing daily hardships.
- Supplemental Order (2024), a 12-minute drama, tells the chilling story of a young nurse in a nursing home who, amid institutional neglect, begins to quietly take revenge on elderly residents—a slow, haunting exploration of inner rebellion and moral conflict.
Beyond cinema, Sonia Nouri is also an accomplished author and creative entrepreneur. Her debut book, Seventh Floor, invites readers into a profound exploration of self-awareness and spiritual growth. She is further pioneering technology for filmmakers through her mobile app, designed to provide creative tools, professional resources, and inspiration for emerging voices in global cinema.
The Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival, recognized as an Academy Award–qualifying event as well as an IMDb and Telefilm Canada-qualifying festival, celebrates innovative and diverse storytelling from around the world. Nouri’s double victory at such a prestigious platform reinforces her place as a filmmaker of vision and courage, bringing Iranian stories and talent to the international stage.
Her success stands as a source of pride not only for Iranian cinema but also for women filmmakers worldwide striving to transform personal narratives into universal art.
BY: The Times Union
