Iran actor unware of UK Oscar submission

An Iranian actor undergoing chemotherapy is unaware that his film has been chosen as the UK Oscar submission.

These days, Reza Naji is bedridden and undergoing chemotherapy, and it came as surprise to him when he learned during an interview with him that 'Winners' directed by Hassan Nazer has been selected as the UK’s entry to the Best International Film category for 2023 Oscars. 

Reza Naji ('The Song of Sparrows' by Majid Majidi) stars in the film.

"Hassan Nazer gave me a script to read 6 years ago, but I didn't agree with the story at first, but after rewriting it, I accepted to act in it, and we shot the movie in Iran's Semnan Province three years ago. 'Winners' is a social-family drama and in my opinion, it is completely Iranian style," the actor said.

Written and directed by Nazer, the film is set in a poor Iranian village where the children work hard to support their families. 

'Winners' was fully financed in Scotland with support from Creative Scotland and shot entirely in Iran with 100% Farsi dialogue. 

AG/AG