'Castle of Dreams' from Iran wins the best film award at SIFF
Iranian director Reza Mirkarimi (center) poses with Chinese actor Wu Jing (right) and filmmaker Li Shaohong after picking up the Golden Goblet Award for best director at the awards ceremony.
Iranian drama “Castle of Dreams” won the best feature film at the Golden Goblet awards ceremony of the 22nd Shanghai International Film Festival on Sunday.
The film is a touching story about a father, who after long years of absence fulfills his children’s fantasy of building a dream castle.
Reza Mirkarimi, director of the movie, also won the best director award.
“It is a fantastic night for me,” said Mirkarimi. “We had a good time in this beautiful city of Shanghai. Thank you for your hospitality and attention to my film.”
Iranian actor Hamed Behdad, who plays the role of father in the fim shared the best actor award with 97-year-old Chinese actor Chang Feng.
Behdad extended his gratitude to the jury panel in a recorded video message.
Chang portrays an old soldier longing to be back home in “The Return.” He told the audience that it was not easy for him to receive the award at his age.
Georgian Salome Demuria was named the best actress for her portrayal of a doctor who returns home after serving a long prison term in “Inhale-Exhale,” a Georgian-Russian-Swedish co-production.
The film also earned the Jury Grand Prix.
“It is a special day for me,” said Demuria. “This award will change my life.”
Georgian Salome Demuria is named the best actress.
Chang Feng, 97, portrays an old soldier longing to be back home in “The Return.”
Alexander and Pavel Lungin, who cooperated on the script of the Russian war film “Brotherhood” won the best screenplay award.
American cinematographer Jake Pollock received the best photography award for his efforts in the Chinese film “Spring Tide.”
Indian film “Trees Under the Sun” walked away with the outstanding artistic achievement award.
The best documentary film award went to “Bridges of Time,” a joint effort by Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Japanese production “Ride Your Wave” was named the best animation film.
A total of 25 films were nominated for this year’s Golden Goblet awards in the feature film, documentary and animation categories.
The festival will close on Monday with a public screening of the award-winning movies.
This year, the international film market at the SIFF attracted 313 international exhibitors and more than 20,000 visitors.
Cooperation on many aspects of the film industry chain including copyright, post-production, distribution and funding were reached during the festival.
The festival has also witnessed major film and TV production bases at the Yangtze River Delta region to promote the culture and tourism industries.
Around 500 foreign and Chinese movies were screened at 47 cinemas across the city with several international films being premiered in Shanghai.
Ukrainian-born American actress Milla Jovovich treads the red carpet.
British actor Tom Hiddleston
