‘World War III’ to premiere in Iran to gain 2023 Oscars admission

Acclaimed Iranian feature film ‘World War III’ is scheduled to go on screen at a Tehran theater for only one week to be eligible for the international feature competition of the 95th Academy Awards.

According to Iran’s Film Screening Council, ‘World War III’ will hit screen at the Megamall Cineplex from Thursday.

Based on the Oscars eligibility requirements, a film submitted to the international feature competition must be theatrically exhibited outside of the United States and its territories for at least seven consecutive days in a commercial motion picture theater for paid admission.

Film festival participation does not qualify a film in the international feature film category.

Iran-based Shayesteh Films handles the Iranian sales of Houman Seyyedi’s ‘World War III’.

‘World War III’ tells the story of Shakib who has lost his wife and child in an earthquake.

He works in a place where a movie on the World War is being filmed, and when one of the actors collapses, Shakib has been chosen as his stand-in.

Shakib is allowed to stay in the actor’s fake mansion, but on condition that he doesn’t receive any visitors, but he makes a decision that endangers his fate.

The film is co-written by Seyyedi himself, Arian Vazir-Daftari, and Azad Jafarian.

The cast members of the film include Mohsen Tanabandeh, Neda Jebreeli, Mahsa Hejazi, and Navid Nosrati.

The flick is the recipient of the Orizzonti Award for Best Film at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in Italy.

Mohsen Tanabandeh also received the award for best actor at the major international event for his portrayal of Shakib.

The film will be screened in the official competition of the 35th Tokyo International Film Festival, which will take place from October 24 to November 2 in the Japanese capital.

The 95th Academy Awards will be held on March 12, 2023, live from the Dolby Theatre.

MM/MM