One of the most prominent filmmakers of Iranian and world cinema of the 21st century, Asghar Farhadi, received the Golden Seal Award of the Yugoslav Film Archive for his outstanding contribution to film art, which was presented to him in the packed movie theater “Makavejev” on 1 March by Jugoslav Pantelić, Director of the Yugoslav Film Archive.
“Thank you very much. I am happy to be here. I didn’t expect to be awarded for the second night in a row”, said Farhadi, who received the honorary Belgrade Victor Award the previous day, as the guest at the 52nd FEST.
“My trip to Serbia was short, but nice. We visited several museums. I met talented film students, had a chance to talk to people in the film industry. Thanks to the organizers for everything”, said the great artist, the two-time Oscar winner, in his humble way.
The award of the Yugoslav Film Archive was presented to him before the screening of his film About Elly (2009), as part of the Fest Classic program. The film, which the critic David Bordwell called the masterpiece, won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 59th Berlin International Film Festival and the award for Best Film at the Tribeca Film Festival. Addressing the large audience, Farhadi said he had personally chosen the film About Elly to be screened on this occasion.
“It was my fourth film. I made it 16 years ago. I wanted to show it to you, because I think you have already seen my latest and more famous films, and this might be something new for you. I want you to enjoy it and take some questions home with you after the screening”, said Farhadi.
Farhadi visited the main building of the Yugoslav Film Archive and its permanent exhibition Our Film Museum. As he repeated several times, he was delighted by the exhibition. He was especially intrigued by the fact that the poster for the film The Battle of Neretva was created by famous painter Pablo Picasso, a fact he hadn’t known before. The original Charlie Chaplin stick and other exhibits also drew his attention.
In addition to the guided tour through the permanent exhibition, Farhadi also visited the Yugoslav Film Archive Library. He became acquainted with the rich collection of books and magazines, among which there were the catalogs of Iranian film festivals screened in the Yugoslav Film Archive, and on one of them Farhadi wrote a dedication.
