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The film picked up hardware across Europe, snagging a Golden Bear in Berlin and a Golden Apricot in Armenia, but A Separation’s director Asghar Farhadi doesn’t have the aura of the all-powerful conqueror.

The Iranian filmmaker almost seems wary. And this was before six moviemakers were arrested in that country, including Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, a documentary director with his own film — This is Not a Film — currently making the festival tour.

Speaking through a translator at the recent Toronto International Film Festival, where A Separation had its North American premiere before continuing on with a stop at the Vancouver International Film Festival, Farhadi says he’s still in a state of shock.

“I never thought the film would do so well. I thought it would go to festivals, but to win three prizes (including two Berlin bears for the cast)was a complete surprise,” he says.

“In some ways, it is a victory for Iranian cinema. But for me, I am very pleased for the actors.”

Read more: //www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/VIFF+Iranian+director+Asghar+Farhadi+lights+film+world+with+Separation/5501403/story.html#ixzz1ZqwYoeir