Iran’s 'Blockage' won the prize at the international event jointly with 'After My Death' which is directed by Kim Uiseok from South Korea.
The 22nd edition of Busan International Film Festival was chaired by the American director Oliver Stone and revolved around the theme of ‘dark and depressed views’ by focusing on modern cinema.
'Blockage' by Mohsen Gharaei and 'After My Death' by Kim Uiseok were named as two winners of the New Currents section.
Both films were considered to be worthy of the prize due to being “tightly scripted, and displaying vivid detail and excellent craftsmanship", according to the jury panel.
'Blockage' narrates a portion of the life of Ghasem, a temporary worker who cracks down on illegal street stalls in Tehran. His hot temper always invites trouble, and recently, he was caught getting kickbacks from stall keepers, impeding his chance to resign the contract. The film follows a few confusing days in Ghasem’s life, who is good at making backdoor deals. It takes the audience’s breath away by chasing the struggles of the protagonist with the opportunity of a lifetime in his hands.
The 22nd Busan International Film Festival was held from Oct. 12 - Oct. 21, 2017 in the South Korean city of Busan.
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