TEHRAN – The Iranian movies “Nargesi” and “No End” were awarded at the 53rd International Film Festival of India in Goa as the organizers announced the winners on Monday.

“Nargesi” directed by Payam Eskandari won the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal.

The film follows Hossein, who has Down’s syndrome. His greatest wish is to find love and get married and for this, he is ready at doing anything. It seems, however, that there is no place for him and his love in this world until a gift completely turns his life around…

“No End” brought Nader Saeivar the award for best director and its star Vahid Mobasheri received the award for best actor.

Ayaz is an honest, hardworking man fixated on the dream of having a house of his own. In the meantime, Ayaz and his wife stay with his mother-in-law, investing all their money in the construction of their future home while comfortably living off the money sent to the mother by her son, who has been living abroad for many years in exile. 

When the son is suddenly allowed to return, Ayaz sees his dream melting in front of his eyes and in a moment of desperation decides to stage a search in his house, hoping to postpone the return of the brother-in-law by scaring him off. His plan works a bit too well and the word reaches the actual secret service. Shortly, Ayaz finds himself in the constantly tightening grip of an institution bent on turning him against everything and everyone he cares for.

Director Nadav Lapid presided over the international jury comprised of Javier Angulo Barturen, Jinko Gotoh, Sudipto Sen and Pascale Chavance.

The Spanish drama “I Have Electric Dreams” directed by Valentina Maurel was selected as best film, while Daniella Marin Navarro won the award for best actress for her role in the film.

Megastar Chiranjeevi was picked as the Indian Film Personality of the Year.

Photo: A scene from the Iranian drama “Nargesi” directed by Payam Eskandari.

MMS/YAW