TEHRAN – “Yeva”, a co-production between Iran and Armenia and “Sunset Truck”, a co-production between Iran and Germany, won three awards at the 15th Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival, the organizers announced on Sunday.
“Yeva” directed by Nahid Abad received the Armenian National Film Academy Award for Best Film.
In addition, the film brought the film’s star Shant Hovhannisyan the Sos Sargsyan Award for Best Actor.
Directed by Abolfazl Saffari, “Sunset Truck” won the Hrant Matevosyan Award for Best Script.
Both films were screened in Armenian Panorama, a non-official section of the festival that took place in the Armenian capital from July 8 to 15.
Co-written by Saffari and Sajjad Afsharian, “Sunset Truck” is about an Iranian family that have been running a camp for desert lovers for many years. Business is gradually drying when Arash, the youngest son, comes up with a novel idea. Through his skillful use of Facebook, he attracts new visitors to the camp with the promise of providing the most beautiful sunsets anywhere in the world. Business takes off again. However, other problems quickly arise.
Iranian director Asghar Farhadi presided over the jury of the official competition this year. He also received Parajanov’s Thaler, an honorary award for his outstanding artistic contribution to the world cinema.
“Volcano”, a Ukraine-Germany co-production directed by Roman Bondarchuk, won the Golden Apricot for Best Film in the official competition.
Germinal Roaux from Switzerland received the Silver Apricot for Best Director for his film “Fortuna”.
Photo: Narine Grigoryan acts in a scene from “Yeva” by Anahid Abad.
MMS/YAW