Iranian actress Shabnam Ghorbani has received the Golden Crane Award for Best Actress at the 4th Shanghai Cooperation Organization International Film Festival. She earned the honor for her performance in the mystery drama The Gambler, adding another international achievement to Iranian cinema.
Ghorbani was recognized for her role in the film, which competed in the festival’s main competition category. However, she could not attend the closing ceremony in person. Therefore, director Mohsen Bahari accepted the award on her behalf during the event.
During the ceremony, Bahari appeared wearing a shirt displaying the message “Minab 168.” He dedicated the award to the victims of a reported missile strike on a school in Minab. Additionally, he highlighted the deaths of students and teachers while describing them as symbols of innocence.
Bahari also used his speech to honor those affected by the incident. He stated that the award served as a tribute to their memory and expressed support for their families.
The closing ceremony of the 4th SCO International Film Festival was held on July 19 at the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The festival took place from July 16 to 19 under Kyrgyzstan’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The event also celebrated the organization’s 25th anniversary and gathered filmmakers, actors, and cultural representatives from SCO member states and partner countries.
The Gambler competed with support from Iran’s Farabi Cinema Foundation and producer Sajad Nasrollahi. The film follows a veteran investigator who works to uncover the source of a cyberattack targeting an Iranian bank.
Moreover, the movie combines mystery, technology, and national security themes. It features actors including Korosh Tahami, Armin Rahimian, Shabnam Ghorbani, Amir Nourozi, Roshan Rostampour, and Emad Emami.
The Gambler received the Special Jury Award at the fifth Across the Lake International Film Festival in North Macedonia. The recognition further increased international attention toward the production.
Ghorbani’s Golden Crane Award highlights the growing presence of Iranian films at global cultural events. Furthermore, the achievement may create new opportunities for future screenings and international collaborations involving the film’s creative team.