“Land of Angels” triumphs at 44th Fajr Film Festival

TEHRAN- Iranian director Babak Khajehpasha’s “Land of Angels” was named best film at the 44th Fajr Film Festival during the closing ceremony held at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on Wednesday. 

The movie, which focuses on the lives and dreams of children in Gaza amidst the backdrop of war, also brought Khajehpasha the jury’s special prize for best director. 

Syrian actress Sulaf Fawakherji received the jury’s special prize for her role in “Land of Angels”. In addition,  Payam Hossein Souri won the award for best set design, while Mohammad Hassan Izadi received the Crystal Simorgh for best visual effects for their contribution to the film. 

The closing ceremony was attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Seyyed Abbas Salehi, Head of the Cinema Organization, Raed Faridzadeh, Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Mehdi Shafiee, and a number of cultural and artistic officials and renowned artists.

President Pezeshkian, who made a surprise appearance at the event, delivered a speech, reflecting on the recent unrests that have affected the country. He remarked, “The wound created in our society is a bitter one, and the role of a doctor is to heal the wound, not deepen it.” He continued, stressing the importance of unity: “Our enemies seek to fragment our country, our land, and our waters, but artists and cultural leaders must work to heal this wound and promote unity and cohesion.”

Addressing the difficult circumstances many are facing, the president acknowledged the sleepless nights caused by the current situation but urged for perseverance, saying, “We have no choice but to stay and rebuild our country. It is utterly despicable that some individuals, sitting abroad, call for foreign intervention in our land.”

He concluded by expressing appreciation for the artistic community: “I am truly grateful to you, my dear artists, for standing firm, despite the jabs and challenges you have endured.”

The following is a list of other winners at the festival. 

Best makeup artist:  Soudabeh Khosravi for “Migration”.

Best costume design: Majid Leilaji for “Migration”.

Best supporting actress: Maral Farjad for “Zandeh Shour”.

Best supporting actor: Shahram Haqiqatdoust for “Ordubehesht”.

Best music: Karen Homayounfar for “Zandeh Shour”.

Best editing: Meysam Molai for “Escort”.

Best cinematography: Hadi Behrouz for “Midnight”.

Best lead actress: Azita Hajian for “Café Soltan”.

Best lead actor: Bahram Afshari for “Zandeh Shour”.

Best director: Kazem Daneshi for “Zandeh Shour”.

Audience award for best film: “Zandeh Shour” and “Escort”.

SAB/