Nader and Simin: A Separation, an Iranian film directed by Asghar Farhadi, won the prestigious Golden Bear award, the top prize at Berlinale’s film festival. The film also won the Silver Bears for the best actor and best actress categories.
The film premiered in Tehran two weeks ago at the Fajr International Film Festival. It is a portrayal of the life of a middle class couple, Nader and Simin, and their marriage in crisis. The critics have called it a subtle and gripping examination of Iran’s social divide.
Farhadi’s 2009 film, About Elly, had also received international acclaims and many awards, including the Silver Bear at Berlin film festival. This is the first time that an Iranian movie wins the coveted Golden Bear.
Farhadi paid tribute to fellow Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who was unable to accept Berlin’s invitation to sit on the main jury after being sentenced to six years in jail and banned from making movies or travelling abroad for 20 years.
The film’s prizewinners:
Golden Bear - Best Film: "Jodaeiye Nader az Simin" (Nader And Simin, A Separation), directed by Iran's Asghar Farhadi
Silver Bear - Best Actress: Actress ensemble in "Jodaeiye Nader az Simin" (Nader And Simin, A Separation)
Silver Bear - Best Actor: Actor ensemble in "Jodaeiye Nader az Simin" (Nader And Simin, A Separation)
Photo: Press TV
