Iranian debut film, “ Disappearance ” was the winner of the best film prize at the Silver Screen Awards, the competitive section of the Singapore…
Iranian debut film, “ Disappearance ” was the winner of the best film prize at the Silver Screen Awards, the competitive section of the Singapore International Film Festival.
Directed by Ali Asgari, the film tells the story of two young lovers who run from hospital to hospital, and are confronted with numerous obstacles, including bureaucratic terror. The story is entirely told in one night. The film also earned lead actress Sadaf Asgari the Silver Screen award for best performer.
The competition jury, headed by India’s Shekhar Kapur, said the film has “such amazing simplicity, truth and compassion, and yet convey(s) the complexity of a whole culture and human relationships that resonate deeply, whichever culture you belong to.”
Thailand’s Anucha Boonyawatana won the Silver Screen Award for “Malila: The Farewell Flower.” The film probes mysteries of love and spiritual redemption. The jury said it was a “quiet, extremely sensitive, beautifully shot exploration of fundamental themes of our existence.”
The Silver Screen Award were presented on the penultimate evening of the festival. “Disappearance” will be played again on Sunday at the National Museum of Singapore. The winner of the audience choice prize will also be announced on Sunday and also be re-screened.
Best feature film “Disappearance” (aka “Napadid Shodan”) dir. Ali Asgari
Best director Anucha Boonyawatana for “Malila: The Farewell Flower”
Best performance Sadaf Asgari in “Disappearance”
Special mention “Scaffolding” (aka “Pigumim”) dir. Matan Yair
Best Southeast Asian short film “Jodilerks Dela Cruz, Employee of the Month” dir. Carlo Francisco Manatad
Best Singapore short film Winner: “Between Us Two” dir. Tan Wei Keong
Special mention
“The Malediction” dir. Makbul Mubarak
Best short film director Sorayos Prapapan
Youth jury prize “Death of the Sound Man” (aka “Awasarn Sound Man”) dir. Sorayos Prapapan
Honorary award Garin Nugruho
Cinema legend award Koji Yakusho
Inspiring woman in film award Ana Urushadze
