A Separation wins at Sydney Film Festival
Directed by Asghar Farhadi, Iranian film A Separation was announced the winner of the Sydney Film Festival prize last night, Sunday 19 June.
Announced by Jury President, Chen Kaige, the prize is worth $60,000.
A Separation is the story of Nader and Simin, attempting to divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. They have acquired visas to emigrate from Iran with Simin eager to leave with daughter Termeh, but Nader feels a responsibility to stay with his father who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Simin leaves, forcing Nader to employ a maid, Razieh who, with her own four-year-old daughter in tow, tends to the apartment and Nader’s father until he returns one day to find his father alone and compromised. With attention to the divides within Iranian life of class, religion and gender differences, A Separation acutely reflects contemporary Iran.
Though not blatantly political, the film’s win comes after the recent jailing of two of Farhadi’s contemporaries, directors Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof, recognised at the Sydney Film Festival’s opening night by outgoing festival director Clare Stewart.
A Separation also won at the Berlin International Film Festival for Best Film, Best Actress (ensemble) and Best Actor (ensemble).
A brilliant film. Stunning. If it gets a release (and I certainly hope it does), a film not to be missed.
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