Iranian film wins IFFI Golden Peacock

Mohammad Rasoulof's Iron Island impressed the jury with its originality, deep thoughtful narration and powerful cinematic expression.

The Persian domination at the International Film Festival of India continued unhindered with an Iraninan film bagging the coveted Golden Peacock for the second year running.

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Mohammad Rasoulof's Iron Island was awarded the Festival's top honour for best film along with a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.

The film - a black comedy about a group of homeless people living in a decaying oil-tanker - impressed the five-member international jury with its "originality, deep thoughtful narration, powerful cinematic expression and great creative strength."

Last year, another Iranian film Shahr-e-Ziba had won the Golden Peacock award and also garnered a special jury award for its lead actor Faramarz Gharibian.

The 2005 Special Jury Award along with the Silver Peacock and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh went to director Tom Hooper for his South African film Red Dust, a court room drama set in the post-apartheid era, exploring the effects of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The jury felicitated Hooper's directorial debut for the "efficient use of cinematic language and a great understanding of the issue of human rights."

For the first time, Asian, African and Latin American films highlighting latest cinematic trends of these regions participated in the competition category and were screened before five member international jury.

Renowned actor Mithun Chakravarthi was the chief guest for the function. Goa Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane and Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary S K Arora were present as the guests for the function.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Das Munshi and Malayalam actor Mamoothy could not attend the function.