TEHRAN – The Iranian films “Appendix” and “The Villa Tenants” have won three awards at the 58th Asia-Pacific Film Festival in at Taipei, Taiwan.

According to the reports published by Taiwanese news websites on Saturday, director Hossein Namazi received the special jury prize for his drama “Appendix”, which also won its star Amir-Ali Danai the best actor award.

In addition, Sorayya Qasemi won the award for best supporting actress for her role in “The Villa Tenants” (“Villa Life”) by Monir Qeidi. 

“Appendix” is about Zari, who goes to the hospital with her husband due to severe abdominal pain. Using her friend’s health card because hers has expired, Zari undergoes an appendectomy but the staff at the hospital becomes suspicious of her identity, miring the couple in a struggle with the health care system.

“The Villa Tenants” focuses on wives of Iranian commanders during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war.

The Australian drama “Lion” by Garth Davis took home the festival’s best film award. 

The best actress award went to Teresa Mo of Hong Kong for her role in “Tomorrow Is Another Day”. 

File photo: Director Hossein Namazi poses at the premiere of his movie “Appendix” at Mellat Cineplex in Tehran in December 2017. 

RM/MMS/YAW