Fortissimo picks up 'Sparrows'

Film won Silver Bear at Berlin festival

By PATRICK FRATER

HONG KONG – Int'l sales specialist Fortissimo Films has picked up "The Song of the Sparrows," the Iranian movie which earned Reza Najie the Silver Bear for best actor at last week's Berlin festival.

Helmed by Majid Majidi, pic is the story of an unemployed father whose efforts to help his family lead to succession of problems.

Prior to its win at the Berlinale, the film also picked up the best director, editing, original score and makeup prizes at the recent Fajr Film Festival.

"We were utterly charmed by this humorous and humanistic film. It is an audience-pleaser that leaves everyone with a smile afterwards," Fortissimo Films’ acquisition consultant Ellis Driessen said.