(AA) – The Berlin International Film Festival’s top prize has gone on Saturday to the pro-opposition Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s movie “Taxi”.
Panahi won the “Golden Bear” for best picture at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival, by his film on the dramatic and comedic stories of taxi passengers in Tehran, which reflect the current political and social problems of the Iranian society.
The prominent director shot the film inside a taxi in Tehran, and also played the role of a taxi driver, challenging a 20-year ban imposed on him by a local court in 2010 for directing any movies.
Panahi was absent from the award ceremony on Saturday due to a travel ban imposed by the Iranian regime. But in his written message published on the internet site of the Berlin Film Festival, Panahi emphasized his determination.
“I’m a filmmaker. I can’t do anything else but make films. Cinema is my expression and the meaning of my life. Nothing can prevent me from making films,” he said.
The Berlin International Film Festival’s second-best award, “Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize” has gone to “The Club” by director Pablo Larrain.
Romanian director Radu Jude won the Silver Bear as best director for ” Aferim!”, a joint production of filmmakers from Romania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.
The English actress Charlotte Rampling was awarded the Silver Bear for best actress and actor Sir Tom Courtenay the Silver Bear for best actor for their role at the ’45 Years’.
The British drama, which tells the story of a couple whose relationship has suddenly shaken before their 45th wedding anniversary, has received positive reviews from critics and was seen among the favorites for the top prize.
