‘Taxi’ wins Berlinale’s Golden Bear

The Berlin International Film Festival's top prize on Saturday went to pro-opposition Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi's movie "Taxi." Panahi won the "Golden Bear" for best picture at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival with his film screening the dramatic and comedic stories of taxi passengers in Tehran.

With the intention of reflecting the current political and social problems of the Iranian society, the prominent director shot the film inside a taxi in Tehran, and also played the role of a taxi driver, challenging a 20-year ban imposed on him by a local court in 2010 for directing any movies.

Panahi was absent from the award ceremony on Saturday due to a travel ban imposed on him by the Iranian regime. But in his written message published on the Berlin Film Festival website, Panahi emphasized his determination. "I'm a filmmaker. I can't do anything else but make films. Cinema is my expression and the meaning of my life. Nothing can prevent me from making films," he said.

The Berlin International Film Festival's second-best award, "Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize" went to "The Club" by director Pablo Larrain. Romanian director Radu Jude won the Silver Bear as best director for "Aferim!," a joint production of filmmakers from Romania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. English actress Charlotte Rampling was awarded the Silver Bear for best actress and actor Sir Tom Courtenay the Silver Bear for best actor for their performance in "45 Years." The British drama, which tells the story of a couple whose relationship suddenly experienced a tremor before their 45th wedding anniversary, has received positive reviews from critics and was seen among the favorites for the top prize.