TEHRAN, July 16 (Mehr News Agency) -- Veteran Iranian actresses Mehri Mehrnia, Farrokhlaqa Hushmand, and Farideh Sepah-Mansur were honored during the opening ceremony of the 5th National Women's Theater Festival on July 15.

Tehran Municipality Cultural and Artistic Organization director Ali Asgari, Center for Dramatic Arts director Hossein Parsaii, other Iranian officials, and women artists attended the ceremony.

"I'm really happy to be on stage once again. I'm honored to still be alive and act for my people's sake," Mehrnia said while kissing the ground and crying as she received her award.

Hushmand said she hoped to still be alive next year to hear the audience's applause again.

Sepah-Mansur stated that she always stutters at such events.

"I'm glad to be accepted as a veteran," she added.

Asgari said women are responsible for childrearing, which is the most important duty in life.

Sponsored by the Tehran Municipality's Cultural and Artistic Organization, the 5th National Women's Theater Festival runs until July 21.