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‘Black Shawl’ lands nomination at HollyShorts Festival in LA
The Oscar-qualifying festival, which ran from August 8-18, selected the Iranian drama as one of 10 finalists from among 1,500 submissions, according to the filmmaker's media advisor. Winners from HollyShorts automatically qualify for Academy Awards consideration.
‘Black Shawl’ has been making waves on the international festival circuit. The film snagged a special jury prize at Spain’s Diversimagen Festival and claimed best film honors at the 22nd San Sebastian International Film Festival.
The psychological drama has screened at festivals across Europe, including Milan, Turin, Porto Femme in Portugal, and France’s Cinema Towards Freedom Festival. Shah Hossein Film, an international production company, produced the project.
The film’s cryptic plot centers around a disturbing question: “Do you know anything about spiders? They eat their mates.”
Cast members include Pasha Rostami, Tara Majidzadeh, Lotfollah Seifi, Mohanna Seyedi, and the late Hatam Mashmoli, alongside Javad Falahtkar, Hasti Gharib, Iraj Abedi, Nasser Marefat, Ebrahim Naji, and Arshia Cheraghi. HollyShorts awards over 25 categories including Best Short, Best Live Action, Best Director, and Best Animation – all of which carry Academy qualifying status. The festival has become a launching pad for emerging filmmakers seeking Oscar recognition.