TEHRAN -- The cinematic journey of “Ostad” (“The Master”), directed by Emad Husseini and produced by Behrouz Afkhami, continues to carve its path across the international festival circuit with a profound resonance. 
The film has now been officially selected for the 9th Festival Internazionale Nebrodi Cinema Doc in Sicily, Italy—one of the country’s most respected platforms for showcasing independent cinema. This milestone not only underscores the film’s universal appeal but also affirms its relevance in today’s global dialogue on social realities.
From September 29 to October 5, the Nebrodi Festival will host a curated selection of standout films from across the world, offering audiences a chance to engage with voices that challenge, inspire, and reflect human complexity. 
Ostad’s presence continues a recent string of international engagements, including its screenings at Bulgaria’s Sofia MENAR and Golden FEMI, India’s Ahmedabad International Film Festival, and the Kurdistan International Independent Film Festival in the United States—each renowned for their dedication to independent, socially conscious filmmaking.
The film made its world premiere at the 41st Fajr International Film Festival, where Sajad Babaei’s nuanced portrayal earned him the Crystal Simorgh for Best Supporting Actor—a testament to the depth and sincerity that permeates the performances throughout the film. Alongside Babaei, actors such as Hassan Majouni, Hedyeh Husseininejad, Hoorieh Moghadam, and Mehdi Abuhamze deliver a layered exploration of idealism clashing with social realities, inviting viewers to contemplate the fragile human spirit amid societal challenges.
Ostad is a character-driven drama—intimate yet expansive—crafted with a humanistic lens that balances poetic storytelling with the harsh contours of reality. The film’s international distributor, the Sooreh International Center, continues to champion its journey, ensuring that this story finds audiences worldwide who seek cinema that is both socially engaged and deeply personal.