DUSHANBE, July 22, 2026 (NIAT Khovar) – The Tajik-Iranian feature film Fish on the hook (Mohi dar Shast) won the Best Actor award at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) International Film Festival, held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, from July 16 to 19.

According to Tajikfilm, the international jury honored actors Khurshed Mustafoev for his portrayal of Samad and Abdullo Abdurahimzoda for his role as Daler.

The festival’s competition featured films from Tajikistan, China, Iran, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Fish on the hook is a joint Tajik-Iranian production filmed in Tajikistan in 2024. Directed by Muhiddin Muzaffar and based on a screenplay by Bakhtiyor Karimov, the film follows Daler, an orphan who embarks on a long journey in search of his mother.

The film was shot in the cities and districts of Buston, Ayni, Panjakent, Muminobod, Vahdat, Norak and Dushanbe, showcasing Tajikistan’s landscapes and cultural heritage.

Since its release, Fish on the hook has been screened at 13 international film festivals and has received nine international awards.