Austria’s VIFF 2017 admires Iranian ‘Bodyguard’

The 3rd edition of the Vienna Independent Film Festival (VIFF) in Austria has admired Iranian feature ‘Bodyguard’ directed by Ebrahim Hatamikia with three prizes.

The Iranian film grabbed awards for Best Art Direction, Best Supporting Actor (Babak Hamidian), and Best Director (Hatamikia) at the Austrian event.

'Bodyguard’ has so far been shown in a number of countries, including Germany, Canada, Australia, Britain, Lebanon, Syria and Afghanistan.

Prominent Iranian filmmaker Hatamikia’s ‘Bodyguard’ depicts idealism in the new era. It narrates the story of a middle-aged man protecting high-profile political figures.

Starring Parviz Parastoui, Merila Zarei and Babak Hamidian, the movie won two awards at the 34th edition of the Fajr Film Festival; namely, the Best Actor in a Leading Role and the Best Visual Effects.

Best Short Film Award of the festival went to the other representative of Iran ‘Forgiveness’ made by Rima Irani.

Vienna Independent Film Festival appreciates films made with a unique artistic vision, as well as free spirit, new ideas, independent point of view, new approaches, individuality and experimentation.

The festival is aimed to find “new talented filmmakers who will be able to approach the heights of cinematography created by geniuses like Antonioni, Fellini, Tarkovsky, Bergman, Visconti, Godard.”

The 3rd edition of VIFF was held in Vienna, Austria, on July 3-7, 2017.

MG/MG