TEHRAN – Iranian director Reza Dormishian was selected as the Most Inspiring Director of the Year for his acclaimed drama “Lanturi” at the 16th Istanbul International Independent Film Festival on Sunday.

“Lanturi” tells the story of a gang member named Pasha who runs amok because Maryam, a socially committed, self-confident journalist, does not reciprocate his feelings. The badly injured young woman demands lex talionis – the law, applicable in Iran, of “an eye for an eye”.

“The War Show”, a documentary by Andreas Dalsgaard and Obaidah Zytoon from Denmark, won the best film award of the Turkish festival.

In addition, “In the Last Days of the City” by Egyptian director Tamer Al Said received the special jury award.

Photo: Iranian director Reza Dormishian speaks after accepting his award as the Most Inspiring Director of the Year for his drama “Lanturi” at the 16th Istanbul International Independent Film Festival on February 26, 2017.

ABU/YAW