TEHRAN – Iran’s submission “World War III” failed to enter the 2023 Oscar race after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the international feature film shortlist on Wednesday.

The film directed by Hooman Seyyedi was acclaimed at several international events after its premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Orizzonti Award for best film, and the best actor award for its star Mohsen Tanabandeh.

In this black comedy, Tanabandeh portrays Shakib, a homeless day laborer who never got over the loss of his wife and son in an earthquake years ago.

Over the last couple of years, he has developed a relationship with a deaf and mute woman, Ladan. The construction site on which he works today turns out to be the set for a film about the atrocities committed by Hitler during WWII. Against all odds, he is given a movie role, a house and a chance at being somebody. When Ladan learns about this, she comes to his workplace begging for help. Shakib’s scheme to hide her goes tragically wrong and threatens to ruin his newfound status and what seemed to be the opportunity of a lifetime.

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

Oscar’s 2023 international feature film shortlist comprises 15 movies from India, Cambodia, South Korea, Pakistan, Morocco, Germany, Argentina, Mexico, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Ireland and France. 

“All Quiet on the Western Front” by Edward Berger (Germany), “The Blue Caftan” by Maryam Touzani (Morocco), “Cairo Conspiracy” by Tarik Saleh (Sweden), “Decision to Leave” by Park Chan-wook (South Korea) “Joyland” by Saim Sadiq (Pakistan) and “Return to Seoul” by Davy Chou (Cambodia) are among the films making the shortlist.

Nominees in all categories will be announced on January 24, and the winners of the 95th Academy Awards will be held on March 12.

Iran’s cinema received its first Oscar nomination in 1999 with Majid Majidi’s drama “Children of Heaven”.

Asghar Farhadi’s movies “A Separation” and “The Salesman”, brought Iran Oscars in 2011 and 2016.

Photo: A scene from “World War III” by Hooman Seyyedi.

MMS/YAW