Iran’s success in Oscar race: When film wins over politics

Iran’s recent Oscar win of Foreign Language Film with ‘A Separation,’ and Israel’s non-win, might be declared as a ‘victory over Israel’ by the Iranian state. And the reaction to the screening of ‘A Separation’ in Israel might show the extent of Israeli propaganda against Iran. But we see once again, the power of cinema over war games

Yesterday morning, Iranians woke to the news of “victory over Israel,” declared all over state TV. It was victory all right, and it was victory over Israel. But it was also victory over Belgium, Canada and Poland, as well. Sunday night’s win was Iran’s first ever Oscar, with the award for Best Foreign Language Film going to director and writer Asghar Farhadi’s drama A Separation.

Upon the film’s win in the world’s biggest movie award ceremony, the Iranian state was quick to change its earlier nonchalant attitude. The hard-liners who had previously dismissed A Separation - for its not-so-positive portrayal of the country, its take on gender inequality and its sub-plot involving Iranians’ desire to leave the country for better lives elsewhere - were silent in the face of the celebrations across country.

Click here for full article (Hürriyet Daily News)