to report «iusnews»; Chicago, USA – 2025 – Mojtaba Akbarzadeh Kahrizi, an Iranian student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, has achieved international recognition at this year’s International Deaf Festival. His analytical essay on the Academy Award-winning Movie CODA was selected among 1700 submissions, earning him third place in the competition.
This remarkable achievement not only highlighted his academic excellence but also earned him a PHD Certificate from the festival’s academic committee.
Akbarzadeh’s essay focused on the unique cinematic language of CODA and its portrayal of deaf culture, exploring how the film bridges communication gaps while celebrating diversity and inclusion in contemporary cinema.
“This award is more than just an honor for me personally,” said Akbarzadeh. “It represents the recognition of Iranian students on the global stage, and it shows how cinema can bring together cultures, voices, and perspectives that are often unheard.”
The International Deaf Festival is regarded as one of the most prestigious platforms for showcasing research, art, and cultural works related to the Deaf community. Winning such recognition among thousands of global participants demonstrates the growing influence of Iranian scholars and artists in the international academic and artistic landscape.
