"Locarno Film Festival: Controversial Iranian Film 'Critical Zone' Takes Top Prize"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Variety
Ali Ahmadzadeh's film "Critical Zone" wins the top Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival, despite Iranian authorities pressuring the director to withdraw it. The film, set in Tehran, is described as a "hymn to freedom and resistance." Iranian cinema also celebrates with "Shayda" chosen as the closing film. Radu Jude receives the Special Jury Prize for "Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World," and Maryna Vroda is named Best Director for "Stepne." Gender-neutral acting awards are introduced, and environmental activists stage a protest during the festival.