TEHRAN -- The Iranian family drama “Nader and Simin: A Separation” added one more international award to its record by grabbing the best film award at the Sydney Film Festival and taking home the $60,000 cash prize.

Jury president, Chinese director Chen Kaige said director Asghar Farhadi’s film came closest to fitting the judging criteria for courageous, audacious and cutting-edge filmmaking.
Festival director Clare Stewart delivered a message on behalf of Farhadi, who was in Tehran on the closing day, the Persian service of ISNA reported on Sunday quoting Australian Associated Press (AAP).
“I am on this side of the world and you are on the other,” his message said.
“What could bring us together better than cinema. I would like to share this happiness with my fellow Iranians living there in Australia.”
A portrayal of the break-up of a marriage, “Nader and Simin: A Separation” was one of the 12 films including Cannes’ Palme d’Or winner “The Tree of Life” up for the prize.
“Nader and Simin” won a Golden Bear for best film at the Berlin film festival and its cast ensemble received best actor and actress Silver Bears at the event.
A special mention was also given to the Egyptian film “Cairo 678” directed by Mohamed Diab.
The 12-day festival which began on June 8 also presented awards for the best documentaries and short films.
Photo: Asghar Farhadi clutches his Golden Bear award for “Nader and Simin, a Separation” at the Berlin film festival. (Getty Images/Andreas Rentz)