‘Driving Lessons’ wins at Japanese fest

Iranian short flick ‘Driving Lessons’ has garnered the Audience Award for the Best Film at the 25th edition of the Aichi International Women’s Film Festival (AIWFF) in Japan.

The short film, directed by Marzieh Riahi, is about Bahareh who has a driving test to pass.

She has to have her traditional chauvinistic husband accompany her during driving lessons so that she and her instructor are not alone together.

The film’s cast members include Linda Kiani, Alireza Sanifar, Salar Khamseh, and Sanaz Mesbah.

Riahi’s film has so far grabbed more than 10 international awards, some of which are Best Short Narrative award at the Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival in the US, Best Long Narrative award at the Annual Big Muddy Film Festival in the US, and jury’s special award at the Film Festival for Women's Rights in South Korea.

Established in 1996, the AIWFF supports the advancement of women in society by providing a platform to promote international exchange between women.

The festival hosts female directors, both amateur and professional, and holds guest talks to exchange views.

The 25th edition of the event was held on September 3-6, 2020.

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PR/MG