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)

Oscars bring Iran and Israel together

With a twist of fate, this year’s Oscars will bring both Iran and Israel together. Both films are among the nominees for this year’s Best Foreign Language Film 

 It’s not everyday you see a prestigious list of five countries that put Iran and Israel next to one another, asking the representatives from both countries to wear their tuxes or their evening gowns and enjoy an evening of celebration, laughter and happy tears in the United States. What’s more, Turkey was so close to being on the same list.

The list has nothing to do with nuclear arms and the ever-tangled politics of the Middle East. It’s the Oscars, and the list is the nominees for the Best Foreign Language Film. If Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s Grand Prix winner in Cannes, Bir Zamanlar Anadolu’da (Once Upon A Time in Anatolia), a very likely contender until the announcement of the shortlist of nine films, was nominated for the category, it would definitely have marked a moment in history.

 If Turkey had been nominated, say, instead of Canada or Poland, the irony would make many smile, with Belgium, the high and mighty center of Europe, being one of the other nominees as well. Turkey, once again, would be stuck between the two global power games, next to the Middle East and the European Union, not too keen to make Turkey one of their own.

Still, Iran and Israel, two countries not exactly fond of each other, will be competing for the Academy Award for Foreign Language Film come the award ceremony Feb. 26. In fact, Joseph Cedar, the director of Footnote, the nominee from Israel, said there was “something poetic” about Israel and Iran both being nominated.

Click here for full article (Hürriyet Daily News)