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Paramount Co-CEO Brian Robbins Shares Farewell Memo as Skydance Deal Closes
Paramount Co-CEO Brian Robbins Shares Farewell Memo as Skydance Deal Closes
Golshifteh Farahani Gets Locarno Honor From Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Calls Cinema a “Refuge” in a “Dark World”
Golshifteh Farahani Honored at Locarno Film Festival 2025
Golshifteh Farahani Honored at Locarno Film Festival 2025
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Golshifteh Farahani Gets Locarno Honor From Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Calls Cinema a “Refuge” in a “Dark World”

The two women brought much love to the Swiss town after Locarno’s artistic director denounced “the intolerable destruction of Gaza” before the opening film ‘In the Land of Arto’ about Armenia’s trauma.
byLily
August 6, 2025
Golshifteh Farahani Gets Locarno Honor From Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Calls Cinema a “Refuge” in a “Dark World”

Locarno Film Festival 2025 Opens with Emotional Tributes to Iranian Cinema, Gaza, and Armenia

The 78th Locarno Film Festival kicked off Wednesday with a powerful opening night celebrating Iranian cinema, while addressing global humanitarian concerns. The prestigious Swiss festival began with a memorable ceremony at the picturesque Piazza Grande square.

Iranian Actresses Take Center Stage

Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani received the Excellence Award Davide Campari in a touching ceremony, made even more special by fellow Iranian actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi presenting the award. The moment highlighted the strong presence of Iranian cinema at this year’s festival.

“We take refuge in cinema,” Farahani declared in her moving acceptance speech. “We watch movies in which everyone is included, regardless of which side of the frontier we live on, which God we believe in, or where we pray. This is where humanity comes together.”

Opening Film: ‘In the Land of Arto’

The festival opened with Tamara Stepanyan’s drama “In the Land of Arto,” starring Camille Cottin and Zar Amir Ebrahimi. The film follows a French woman’s journey to Armenia, where she uncovers secrets about her deceased husband’s identity.

Special Appearances and Messages

  • Camille Cottin delivered a video message, unable to attend in person
  • The creative team discussed Armenian history and the honor of opening Locarno
  • Festival director Giona A. Nazzaro praised Farahani’s artistic contributions

Strong Iranian Presence at Locarno 2025

The festival features several prominent Iranian filmmakers and artists, including:

  • Jafar Panahi presenting his Cannes Palme d’Or winner “It Was Just an Accident”
  • Mohammad Rasoulof making a special appearance
  • Zar Amir Ebrahimi starring in the opening film

Humanitarian Focus

Festival director Nazzaro addressed pressing global issues, particularly highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and emphasizing cinema’s role in bringing attention to worldwide conflicts and suffering.

The Locarno Film Festival 2025 continues through August 16, promising a rich program of international cinema and cultural exchange.

byLily
August 6, 2025