Winning an Oscar is a cause for celebration…unless you're the sour-faced officials in the Iranian government. While most Iranians are proud and honored that Asghar Farhadi took home the prize for Best Foreign Film for "A Separation" at the Oscars, the heavy handed Iranian government scoffed at such Western frivolity, and canceled a planned ceremony on Monday for the movie. Apparently, the film's themes of domestic strife and gender inequality were frowned upon by the conversative higher ups. Well, they won't have to worry about the director's next film bringing them dishonor.
Variety reports that Farhadi's next feature will be his first outside of the country, as he plans to shoot a French language film in Paris this fall. Plot details are under wraps for now, as is any news of casting, but further announcements are expected closer to the Cannes Film Festival, likely when backers Memento Films will start taking the movie to buyers. Also note: while Farhadi has previously spoken of a story centering on a romance between an Iranian boy and North African girl in Paris, this is not that film.
Either way, the Oscar boost has quickly allowed Farhadi to start putting together his next effort, which is certainly good news. We'll be eager to hear more details.
