Nader Saei-Vaar's 'Witness' Achieves Success at Venice Film Festival; Award Dedicated to 'Brave Women of Iran' and Jafar Panahi

The 81st Venice Film Festival in Italy concluded on Saturday, September 8, with awards presented to outstanding figures and works in various categories. The film 'Witness' by Iranian filmmaker Nader Saei-Vaar won the 'Audience Choice' award in the 'Horizons Expanded' section. During the closing ceremony, he dedicated his award to the 'brave women of Iran' and Jafar Panahi. This film, featuring Maryam Bobani, Hana Kamkar, and Ghazal Shojaei, was made without adhering to Iran's mandatory hijab laws and is considered a work within the framework of independent or underground cinema. 'Witness' is Nader Saei-Vaar's third film and is a co-production of Iran, Germany, and Austria. He has a history of collaboration with Jafar Panahi and co-wrote the screenplay for 'Witness' with this renowned Iranian filmmaker. The film, produced during the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement, tells the story of a retired dance teacher named Terlan who claims her friend Rana was murdered by her abusive and influential husband, a government official. The police refuse to investigate the matter, but Terlan, played by Maryam Bobani, does not give up despite all challenges. In a statement published on the Venice Film Festival website, Nader Saei-Vaar describes his film as 'a reflection of the current situation in Iranian society that shows how the government runs the country and how people must obey the laws, even at the cost of risking their dignity.' He adds, 'This story shows that in the face of a repressive regime, people who strive to maintain their dignity and humanity are eliminated in circumstances where the truth must remain hidden.' Nader Saei-Vaar explains, 'The antagonist of this story is an ordinary citizen who collaborates with foreign governments to circumvent economic sanctions imposed by the Iranian regime. Therefore, any crimes these individuals commit are hidden or ignored by the government.' He further states, 'As long as these individuals continue to act as intermediaries, they are important to the regime. 'Witness' provides a personal perspective on this situation in Iran. The murder committed by one of these intermediaries must be covered up, but there are witnesses, and these witnesses do not sell their dignity in the face of political pressure and fear.' The 81st Venice International Film Festival opened on Wednesday, September 6, in Italy, with no Iranian films present in the main competitive section of this cinematic event. This trend has continued since the recent nationwide protests in Iran, and prestigious global festivals are not accepting government-backed Iranian cinema. The screening of the film 'Seven Days' featuring Vishka Asayesh in Toronto; Mohammad Farrokhmanesh, the producer: The film's message is respect for human rights and freedom. The screening of Nader Saei-Vaar's 'Witness' at the Venice Festival; a film made without adhering to Iran's mandatory hijab laws. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran at the Venice Festival; Mahshid Zamani: The goal is to raise awareness about the situation of Iranian artists under repression. Germany sent Rasoulof's film 'Fig Tree' as its representative to the Oscars. Reactions to the selection of 'Fig Tree' as Germany's representative at the Oscars; Hamid Soleiman-Zadeh: It is very important. The first 'Women, Life, Freedom' Film Festival; Shabnam Farshadjou: It is for artists who have no right to breathe in Iran. The artistic director of the 'Golden Apricot' film festival in Armenia: Jafar Panahi is one of the greatest imprisoned artists of our time. The Israeli director of 'Tatami' to Voice of America: We are the narrators of women's struggle for freedom from the 'injustice of the Islamic Republic.'