Courtesy of Rahi Rezvani
In an emotionally charged opening night at the Locarno Film Festival, held on August 16, Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani received a warm welcome as she was presented with the Excellence Award Davide Campari. This accolade was handed to her by fellow Iranian actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi in the picturesque setting of the Piazza Grande square.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Farahani remarked, “I thought this prize should go to you, to all of us, to us, in this obscure, dark world. We still believe in art and culture. We take refuge in cinema. We watch movies, movies in which everyone is included. We feel love, anger, jealousy, regardless of which side of the frontier we live on, which God we believe in, or where we pray. This is where humanity somehow comes together.”
Her speech highlighted the vital role of cinema as a sanctuary in turbulent times, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling. “I think really this excellence prize goes to all of you. Each of you is a candle in this darkness. We are here celebrating human values in grace and dignity. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being such a great light in this dark world, because now we are shining very, very bright. And we will change this world through art, through culture. We will do it all together,” she continued.
Amir Ebrahimi reciprocated the sentiment, stating, “Thank you for being my soul sister, for being there for me and everyone who needs you every single moment of your life. You inspire us, all of us, me and many others, every single moment you exist. I love you.” The audience responded with resounding applause as the two actresses embraced before departing the stage.
Farahani also made an appearance to introduce her latest work, Alpha, directed by Julia Ducournau, which premiered at Cannes earlier this year. Following the award ceremony, the opening film In the Land of Arto was screened at the outdoor venue, a drama about a woman navigating the complexities of her late husband’s hidden identity in Armenia.
Giona A. Nazzaro, the festival’s artistic director, praised Farahani as “an incredibly talented artist” who has consistently inspired others with her refusal to be confined by industry norms. He also spoke on the significance of the festival’s selection, highlighting films that address global unrest, including ongoing conflicts affecting countless innocent lives.
The ongoing Locarno Film Festival, which will conclude on August 16, features an impressive array of Iranian artists, including director Jafar Panahi, who is presenting his Cannes Palme d’Or-winning film, It Was Just an Accident.
As the world reflects on the importance of storytelling, Farahani’s words resonate, reminding us that cinema can be both a refuge and a beacon of hope. Such sentiments are critical in today’s landscape, where art is more essential than ever.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.
