TEHRAN – The deaf family drama “Soundless” has taken top honors, including the best film award, at the 15th San Francisco Iranian Film Festival.

The film also brought Behrang Dezfulizadeh the award for best director and its star, Hanieh Tavassoli, was crowned best actress.

Mohammadreza Jahanpanah received the award for best cinematographer for his collaboration in this film.

“Soundless”, also known as “No Sound”, is about a mother, hard of hearing, who has separated from her deaf husband because of their disagreement over their son’s cochlear implant surgery that can enable the little boy to hear. But the father, afraid of being alone, tries to prevent the surgery because he wants his son to remain deaf like him.

The award for best actor was given to Mohsen Tanabandeh for his role in “3 Puffs” directed by Saman Salur.

“Azar 7:00 AM” written and directed by Masud Farjam won the award for best screenplay.

“Harman”, also known as “Heh Raman”, was chosen as best documentary.

In this documentary, director Mohammad Farajzadeh narrates the philosophy of Kurdish dance and its traditional dress. All of the movements in Kurdish dance pursue goals, such as stamping, which means this is my land and country, being man and woman side by side in Kurdish dance means men and women are equal, and joining of the hands in Kurdish dance means unity. All Kurdish plimsolls, napkins, and dresses have their own meaning. Kurdish dance is one of Kurdistan’s traditions and cultural heritage, performed in different ceremonies and this documentary analyses them from different angles.

The award for best short went to “The Book”, which also brought Farzad Forughi the award for best director and best screenwriter in this category.

In the short film competition, Hamidreza Karami won the best actor award for “Daily Massacre in Tehran” and Nika Shahbazzadeh was selected as best actress for “The Untouchable”.

The award for best cinematographer was given to Vahid Ebrahim for his work in “Daily Massacre in Tehran”.

“Wolf Cubs of the Apple Valley” by Fereidun Najafi was picked as best children’s film, while the award for best children’s short went to “Daily Massacre in Tehran” by Hesam Hamidi.

“The Past” directed by Hamid Mohammadi was named best animated film, and “Just a Walk” directed by Masud Moeineslam was honored as best experimental film.

The award for best music video was given to “Freedom” directed by Kamran Rasulzadeh.

Photo: A scene from “Soundless” by Behrang Dezfulizadeh.

MMS/YAW