Iranian ‘Driving Lessons’ wins in the UK

Iranian short flick ‘Driving Lessons’ has grabbed an award at the 2020 edition of the Hebden Bridge Film Festival (HBFF) in the UK.

Directed by Marzieh Riahi, the short film won the Fox and Goose jury second prize at the British event.

The film 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 previously grabbed more than 10 international awards, including 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.

According to the official website of the HBFF, “it aims to deliver a program of excellence, featuring international and homegrown films and unique events with industry professionals, as well as supporting and fostering local talent”.

The second edition of the festival announced its winners on November 19.

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PR/MG