LOS ANGELES — My Little Moon, the latest feature film written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Ali Atshani, has added another international honor to its growing festival journey, receiving an award at the 12th Concepción Independent Film Awards (CIFA) in Chile.
The 2026 edition of CIFA took place from August 2–5 in Concepción, Chile, bringing together independent films from around the world for four days of screenings and competition in the Bío-Bío region. Now in its 12th edition, the festival has established a continuing presence in Chile’s independent film landscape, presenting narrative, documentary, experimental, animation and socially focused cinema.
According to the festival’s FilmFreeway statistics, the 2026 edition received an estimated 515 submissions, from which approximately 60 projects were selected, with only 11 awards presented across the festival’s competitive program. The event reports an audience attendance of approximately 1,660 and holds its screenings at CINEPLANET, Mall del Centro Concepción, giving the festival a physical theatrical presence in one of southern Chile’s major cultural centers.
CIFA’s history also reflects significant international participation over the years. Festival records show 914 films entered in 2019, with 72 projected; 820 films entered in 2018; and 512 submissions in 2017, demonstrating the festival’s sustained ability to attract hundreds of independent productions from different countries.
The festival’s competitive program includes awards for Best Narrative Feature, Best Social Theme Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Experimental Feature, as well as corresponding short-film categories and other forms of independent cinema. Winners are determined by a festival-appointed jury.
My Little Moon is a contemporary drama inspired by true events surrounding Iran’s Woman, Life, Freedom movement. The film follows two teenage girls—one living in the United States and the other in Iran—whose lives become connected against the backdrop of political unrest, personal danger and the struggle for freedom and human dignity.
A significant part of the film was shot covertly inside Iran, giving the project an unusual level of authenticity while combining an intimate human story with themes that have resonated with international festival audiences.
The CIFA recognition continues an extensive international festival run for My Little Moon, which has received awards, honors and official selections at festivals across the United States, Europe, Asia and other international territories.
Written, directed and produced by Ali Atshani, My Little Moon is produced by American Brightlight Film Productions Inc. in Los Angeles.
With its latest recognition in Chile, the film continues to expand its international presence and adds another competitive festival honor to its growing list of achievements.
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