TEHRAN – Iranian director Ali Atshani’s “Paradise” has won three awards at the 4th Chelsea Film Festival in New York, the organizers announced on Sunday.

Atshani was named best director for the movie, which brought Javad Ezzati the award for best actor and Mehran Rajabi the award for best supporting actor.

“Paradise” is about two young students from an Islamic seminary in Iran who plan to participate in a conference on Islam in Germany, but the director of the seminary disagrees with their plans. However, they finally succeed in convincing him to accompany them on their visit to the country.

The Grand Prix of the festival was awarded to “Jessica” directed by Scott Foley from the United States.

“Twisting Fate” by French director Christophe Lioud received the special jury award while Noemie Merlant was awarded with best actress for her role in this film. 

Photo: Javad Ezzati (R), Mehran Rajabi (3rd R) and members of the cast for “Paradise” act in a scene from the movie.

ABU/YAW