‘World War III’ wins FIPRESCI Prize at Palm Springs filmfest

The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) in the US has presented a FIPRESCI Prize to the Iranian movie ‘World War III’.

The winners of the 34th edition of the gala were announced on Friday.

Directed by Houman Seyyedi, ‘World War III’ tells the story of Shakib, a homeless day laborer.

The man never got over the loss of his wife and son in an earthquake years ago. He works in a film set where the movie 'World War' is being shot, and when one of the actors collapses, Shakib has been chosen as his stand-in.

Shakib is allowed to stay in a mansion on condition that he does not accept any visitors, but he makes a decision that endangers his fate.

‘World War III’ is co-written by Seyyedi, Arian Vazir-Daftari, and Azad Jafarian.

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

The film received a nomination for Best Actor (Tanabandeh) at the 16th edition of the Asian Film Awards.

Tanabandeh is one of the popular Iranian actors/comedians who has directed some movies. 

‘World War III’ landed its international premiere at Italy's Venice International Film Festival. It took part in the festival’s Orizzonti section and grabbed two awards.

The film was also awarded at the 35th Tokyo International Film Festival in Japan. It was selected as Iran’s submission  to the 2023 Academy Awards for the Best International Feature Film

The 34th edition of the PSIFF, currently underway in the US state of California, has been slated for January 5-16, 2023.

MG/AG