Iranian film A Man of Integrity, a film that focuses on a goldfish farmer battling corporate oppression in Northern Iran, has won the top prize in the “Un Certain Regard” competition at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.
“Un Certain Regard” is a separate section at Cannes, where the top prize goes out to younger talent and is known for rewardig innovative filmmaking.
Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, the film stars Reza Akhlaghirad, Soudabeh Beizaee and Misagh Zare Zeinab. The film marks Rasoulof’s third attempt at the Un Certain Regard section, having previously had two of his other movies nominated including 2011’s Au revoir and 2013’s Manuscripts Don’t Burn, winning Best Director for the former. He was arrested alongside acclaimed director Jafar Panahi in 2010 and is currently under a suspended prison sentence.
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Rasoulof’s win comes three months after another Iranian filmmaker, Asghar Farhadi, won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film for his film The Salesman. Speaking to Reuters before the win, Rasoulof said:
“International support has really helped all filmmakers and especially me, by stopping the pressure they were putting on us.”
Feature Image: Variety