Iran’s ‘World War III’ vying at Chennai Int’l filmfest

The Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF) in India has been screening Iranian feature film ‘World War III’.

Directed and produced by Houman Seyyedi, the film is on screen at the World Cinema section of the 20th edition the Indian event.

‘World War III’ tells the story of Shakib who is a homeless day laborer, who never got over the loss of his wife and son in an earthquake years ago. 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 does not receive any visitors, but he makes a decision that endangers his fate.

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

Mohsen Tanabandeh, Mahsa Hejazi, Neda Jebreeli and Navid Nosrati comprise the cast list of the film.

‘World War III’ received its international premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in Italy. It took part in the festival’s Orizzonti section and managed to grab two awards.

The film was also awarded at the 35th Tokyo International Film Festival in Japan.

‘World War III’ has been selected as Iran’s submission for best international feature at the 2023 Academy Awards.

Starting in 2003, the CIFF is dedicated to presenting the best of International and Indian films.

This year’s edition of the event has been underway since December 15 and it is set to wrap up on December 22, 2022.

AA/MG