Panahi Wins Golden Bear at Berlin Film Festival

For His Film ‘Taxi’

Iranian director Jafar Panahi won the highest honor at the Berlin Film festival tonight, winning the Golden Bear for his film “Taxi.” Panahi is banned by the Iranian authorities from traveling abroad and could not be in berlin to accept the prestigious award.

Panahi, often described as “Iranian Woody Allen,” stars in his own film as a taxi driver talking to his passengers as he drives them through the streets of Tehran. The film is also banned in Iran.

“Instead of allowing his spirit to be crushed and giving up, instead of allowing himself to be filled with anger and frustration, Jafar Panahi created a love letter to cinema,” said Darren Aronofsky, the American director and Berlinale jury president. “His film is filled with love for his art, his community, his country and his audience.” (AP, 14 February)

Photo credit: Photographers crowd around the Golden Bear awarded to Jafar Panahi for his film ‘Taxi.’ Panahi is banned from leaving Iran and could not accept the award in person; berlin, 14 February 2015 (Axel Schmidt/AP)

Nader and Simin Wins Golden Bear

Asghar Farhadi Accepting the Coveted Golden Bear

for His Film, Nader and Simin: A Separation

Berlin. 19 February 2011

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