Dainamaina award in Iran advances 201 entries to second round
Dainamaina advances 201 entries in Iran's inaugural competition, spanning books, games and AI. Organizers say UNICEF plans a special prize for one of the works.
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The Dainamaina International Award in Iran has advanced 201 entries from more than 2,000 submissions to the second round of its inaugural competition for works aimed at children and teenagers, organizers said.
The award brings literature and performing arts into the same competition as game design and artificial intelligence, with eight categories covering both traditional and digital formats. Its organizers have also announced the jury for the first and second judging rounds.
UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency, will present a special prize to one entry, organizers said. An announcement from the award describes the UNICEF distinction as a separate prize recognizing attention to children's rights, including equality, education, protection, health and participation in society.
Eight categories, from books to AI
The competition's categories are children's storybooks without illustrations; children's picture books; novels for teenagers; stories and audio content for children and teenagers; children's songs and lullabies; physical or digital game and entertainment design; drama and theater for children and teenagers; and artificial intelligence.
Dainamaina began operating in the Iranian year 1404, which spans 2025–26, with support from iGhe3, Gando Publishing, Divar, Jabama and Ketab-Che. Organizers say the award aims to identify and support creative work for young audiences and connect writers, artists, publishers and technology practitioners.
Jury spans literature, performance and technology
The 21-member jury draws on experience in children's literature, acting, voice work and puppetry, music, illustration, publishing, digital content, strategy and AI. Organizers say the mix is intended to assess creativity, quality and suitability for children and teenagers.
The judges are Ahmad Akbarpour, Ehteram Boroumand, Mohammad Bahrani, Elham Pavehnejad, Falamak Joneidi, Erfan Khosravi, Leili Rashidi, Ahoura Niazi, Shahram Shakouri, Salman Taheri, Peyman Fatemi, Behzad Omrani, Samad Khatibi, Pouya Nikjou, Arezou Aali, Raha Bagherian, Lian Pirouzi, Farinaz Soleimani, Mahsa Pourhaghani, Negar Ghorbani and Negar Pourshaban.
