Iran’s ‘Black Scarf’ wins best film in Italy, lands Australian nomination
The Iranian short film ‘Black Scarf’, directed by Alireza Shah Hosseini and produced by his company, Shah Hosseini Film, clinched the Best Film Award at the Pinerolo Film Festival in Pinerolo, Italy, which ran from October 18 to October 25.
At the same time, the 15-minute production was nominated for the Best Short Film category at the 19th edition of the Byron Bay International Film Festival in Australia, scheduled for October 17 to October 26, ILNA reported.
In its official synopsis, ‘Black Scarf’ unfolds “on the last work day of a teacher at a small deserted village … when his students ask for something which changes everything.” The film features actors Pasha Rostami, Tara Majidzadeh, Lotfollah Seifi, Mohanna Seyedi and the late Hatam Mashmouli.
With this international recognition, Shah Hosseini’s work is gaining traction on the global festival circuit. By earning the Best Film accolade in Italy and a nomination in Australia, ‘Black Scarf’ has opened new doors for Iranian short-form cinema.
The Italian festival has long sought to spotlight “creative, different cinematic works from around the world,” giving the award added weight. Meanwhile, the Byron Bay festival, set against Australia’s coastal backdrop, offers a broader platform for the film’s global rollout.