TEHRAN – Iranian movies “World War III” and “Without Her” will be competing in the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

The 34th edition of the festival will take place from January 6 to 17, 2023, in Palm Springs, California.

“World War III” directed by Hooman Seyyedi will compete for the best international feature film.

In this black comedy, a hapless day laborer finds himself cast in a film about the Nazi regime while hiding his girlfriend – a sex worker fleeing her exploiters – on the set. 

Iran’s submission to the international feature award at the 2023 Oscars, “World War III” won the Orizzonti Award for best film at the 2022 Venice film festival. Its star Mohsen Tanabandeh also was picked as the best actor.

It also received special jury prizes at the 35th Tokyo International Film Festival and the Los Angeles Asian World Film Festival (AWFF). The AWFF also picked Tanabandeh as best actor.

Directed by Arian Vazirdaftari, “Without Her” is a psychological drama about Roya who encounters a quiet young girl who appears lost and doesn’t remember anything just two weeks before emigrating from Iran to Denmark. She takes her in, providing her with a home and introducing her to her husband, family and friends, all the while blissfully unaware that this girl has come to replace her.

One of the largest film festivals in North America, the Palm Springs International Film Festival welcomes thousands of people and film industry experts each year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries.

Winners will be announced on January 5, 2023, one day before the opening of the festival.

Photo: Mahsa Hejazi and Mohsen Tanabandeh act in a scene from “World War III” by Hooman Seyyedi.

MMS/YAW