TEHRAN-Iranian feature film “Cold Sigh” written and directed by Nahid Azizi Sedigh and produced by Reza Mohaghegh won three prizes at the closing ceremony of the 46th Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) on Friday.

Iran’s sole representative in the Main Competition section of the festival, the movie won the Best Director Award, the Audience Choice Award for the Best Film, and the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) Special Mention, IRNA reported.

A production of 2023, the 72-minute drama has Iman Sedigh, Ali Bagheri, Ahoora Bahrami, Amir Aram, Mohammad Ashkanfar, and Salar Daryamaj in the cast.

Last year, it won the Special Jury Award for Best Film in the International Competition of the Fajr Film Festival.

The drama is about Baha, a young man from a border town, who learns that his father, Bahram, has been released from prison after 20 years. Bahram killed his wife -- Baha's mother -- having accused her of cheating on him. Baha, who has never coped with this and is still full of anger and resentment decides to revenge to end his suffering.

The Moscow International Film Festival is the second oldest festival in the world after the Venice Film Festival. The first Moscow International Film Festival was held in 1935. Back then, it was called the Soviet Film Festival in Moscow. It became regular in 1959 when it was held every second year, alternating with the Karlovy Vary Festival until 1999 when it became an annual event. 

This year, over 230 films were shown in the competition and out-of-competition programs of the festival, which was approximately 20% more than last year.

SS/SAB