Iranian filmaker Samira Makhmalbaf (C) is photographed next to festival jury member Pilar Lopez de Ayala (R) during a pro-democracy protest outside the Palacio Kursaal on the seventh day of the 57th San Sebastian Film Festival September 24, 2009. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN ENTERTAINMENT SOCIETY) 

Iranian film director Samira Makhmalbaf adjusts her scarf during a photocall after being awarded a Special Jury Prize for the film "Two Legged Horse", at the San Sebastian Film Festival September 27, 2008. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN) 

Director of Berlin's annual international film festival Berlinale Dieter Kosslick (3rdL) poses with the members of the jury in Berlin February 4, 2004. The picture shows (LtoR): U.S. distributor Dan Talbot, Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf, German Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick, president of the jury U.S.actress Frances McDormand, Ethiopian director Maji-da Abdi, Italian director Gabriele Salvatores, Italian actress Valeria Bruni Tedeschi and German producer Peter Rommel. The 54th Berlinale will run from February 5 to 15. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann AKW/AA 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf waves after winning the Jury Prize for her film "Panj E Asr" during a photocall at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 25, 2003. Makhmalbaf's film, set in post-Taliban Afghanistan, is her third film entry at Cannes. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf (R) waves to the audience as she stands with French actress Judith Godrech (L) after winning the Jury Prize for her film "Panj E Asr" during the awards ceremony at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 25, 2003. Makhmalbaf's film, set in post-Taliban Afghanistan, is her third film entry at Cannes. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf speaks with journalists during the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The 23-year-old Makhmalbaf's movie entry 'Panj E Asr' is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf speaks with journalists during the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The 23-year-old Makhmalbaf's movie entry 'Panj E Asr' is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf speaks with journalists during the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The 23-year-old Makhmalbaf's movie entry 'Panj E Asr' is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf speaks with journalists during the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The 23-year-old Makhmalbaf's movie entry 'Panj E Asr' is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf speaks with journalists during the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The 23-year-old Makhmalbaf's movie entry 'Panj E Asr' is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf walks in a garden during the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The 23-year-old Makhmalbaf's movie entry 'Panj E Asr' is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf walks in a garden during the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The 23-year-old Makhmalbaf's movie entry 'Panj E Asr' is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf speaks with journalists during the 56th
International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The 23-year-old Iranian
director Makhmalbaf's movie entry "Panj E Asr" is one of twenty films
screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film
festival. Pictures of the month May 2003 REUTERS/John Schults PP03050055

JES 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf speaks with journalists during the
56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The
23-year-old Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie entry "Panj E Asr" is
one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden
Palm) at the 12-day film festival. REUTERS/John Schults PP03050055

JES 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf speaks with journalists during the
56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The
23-year-old Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie entry "Panj E Asr" is
one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden
Palm) at the 12-day film festival. REUTERS/John Schults PP03050055

JES 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf walks in a garden during the 56th
International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The 23-year-old
Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie entry "Panj E Asr" is one of twenty
films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the
12-day film festival. REUTERS/John Schults PP03050055

JES 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf walks in a garden during the 56th
International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The 23-year-old Iranian
director Makhmalbaf's movie entry "Panj E Asr" is one of twenty films
screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film
festival. REUTERS/John Schults PP03050055 PP03050060

JES 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf speaks with journalists during the
56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The
23-year-old Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie entry "Panj E Asr" is
one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden
Palm) at the 12-day film festival. REUTERS/John Schults PP03050055

JES 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf speaks with journalists during the
56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 17, 2003. The
23-year-old Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie entry "Panj E Asr" is
one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden
Palm) at the 12-day film festival. REUTERS/John Schults PP03050055

JES 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf smiles during a photocall for her film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf smiles during a photocall for her film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf smiles during a photocall for her film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf reacts for photographers for her film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf waves to photographers during a photocall for her film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf adjusts her headscarf during a photocall for her film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf reacts for photographers for her film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film festival. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf smiles during a photocall for her film
entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May
16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of twenty films
screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film
festival. REUTERS/John Schults PP03050054

JES 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf smiles during a photocall for her
film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in
Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one
of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden
Palm) at the 12-day film festival. REUTERS/John Schults

JES 

IRANIAN DIRECTOR SAMIRA MAKHMALBAF WAVES DURING PHOTOCALL FOR "PANJ E ASR"
AT 56TH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IN CANNES.

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf waves to photographers during a photocall
for her film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in
Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of
twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the
12-day film festival. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard PP03050055 

IRANIAN DIRECTOR SAMIRA MAKHMALBAF POSES AT PHOTOCALL FOR "PANJ E ASR" AT
56TH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IN CANNES.

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf adjusts her headscarf during a photocall
for her film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in
Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of
twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the
12-day film festival. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard PP03050055 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf reacts for photographers for her
film entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in
Cannes, May 16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one
of twenty films screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden
Palm) at the 12-day film festival. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

JES/JV 

IRANIAN DIRECTOR SAMIRA MAKHMALBAF SMILES DURING PHOTOCALL FOR "PANJ E ASR"
AT 56TH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IN CANNES.

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf smiles during a photocall for her film
entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May
16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of twenty films
screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film
festival. REUTERS/John Schults PP03050055 

IRANIAN SAMIRA MAKHMALBAF DIRECTOR OF "PANJ E ASR" POSES FOIR PHOTOGRAPHERS
AT 56TH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IN CANNES.

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf reacts for photographers for her film
entry "Panj E Asr" at the 56th International Film Festival in Cannes, May
16, 2003. Young Iranian director Makhmalbaf's movie is one of twenty films
screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 12-day film
festival. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard PP03050055 

English director Ken Loach (L), shakes hands with Iranian actress Samira Makhmalbaf (R) during a press briefing at the American pavilion of the 55th Cannes film festival May 20, 2002 in Cannes. Loach and Makhmalbaf came to Cannes to present the film "eleven minutes, nine seconds, one frame" on the events of September 11, 2001 in New York, composed by 11 short films shot by international film makers. 

American actor Sean Penn (R), poses for photographers with Iranian actress Samira Makhmalbaf (L) during a press briefing at the American pavilion of the 55th Cannes film festival May 20, 2002 in Cannes. Penn and Makhmalbaf came to Cannes to present the film " eleven minutes, nine seconds, one frame" on the events of September 11, 2001 in New York, composed by 11 short films shot by international film makers. 

English director Ken Loach (L), shakes hands with Iranian actress
Samira Makhmalbaf (R) during a press briefing at the American pavilion
of the 55th Cannes film festival May 20, 2002 in Cannes. Loach and
Makhmalbaf came to Cannes to present the film "eleven minutes, nine
seconds, one frame" on the events of September 11, 2001 in New York,
composed by 11 short films shot by international film makers.
REUTERS/Vincent Kessler

vk/crb 

American actor Sean Penn (R), poses for photographers with Iranian actress
Samira Makhmalbaf (L) during a press briefing at the American pavilion of
the 55th Cannes film festival May 20, 2002 in Cannes. Penn and Makhmalbaf
came to Cannes to present the film " eleven minutes, nine seconds, one
frame" on the events of September 11, 2001 in New York, composed by 11 short
films shot by international film makers. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
PP03050055

vk/ 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf (L) arrives with actress Niloufar Pazira (R) for the screening of [German-born Austrian director Michael Haneke's] film "La Pianiste" (The Piano Teacher) at the 54th International Cannes Film Festival, May 14, 2001. Makhhmalbaf, daughter of [Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf], won the Jury Prize in 2000 for her film "Le Tableau Noir" (Blackboard). 

IRANIAN DIRECTOR SAMIRA MAKHMALBAF AND ACTRESS NILOUFAR PAZIRA ARRIVE FOR DIRECTOR HANEKE'S "LA PIANISTE" AT 54TH CANNES FILM FESTIVAL.


Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf (L) arrives with actress Niloufar Pazira (R) for the screening of German-born Austrian director Michael Haneke's film "La Pianiste" (The Piano Teacher) at the 54th International Cannes Film Festival, May 14, 2001. Makhhmalbaf, daughter of Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf, won the Jury Prize in 2000 for her film "Le Tableau Noir" (Blackboard). 

Iranian film director and jury member Samira Makhmalbaf poses for photographers on Venice beach September 8, 2000. The 57th Venice Film Festival will run until September 9. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf holds her Jury Prize for her film 'Le Tableau Noir' (Blackboard) after the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 21. The twenty-year-old director won the Jury Prize ex-aequo with [Swedish director Roy Andersson for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor).] 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf (C) holds her Jury Prize for her film 'Le Tableau Noir' (Blackboard) after the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 21. Makhmalbaf stands with Iranian directors Hassan Yektapanah (L) and Bahman Ghobadi (R) who won the ex-aequo Camera d'Or (Golden Camera) prize for their films. The twenty-year-old director won the Jury Prize ex-aequo with [Swedish director Roy Andersson for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor). ] 

Swedish director Roy Andersson holds his ex-aequo Jury Prize for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor) at the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 21. [Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf also won the Jury Prize for her film 'Le Tableau Nor' (Blackboard).] 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf (L) holds her Jury Prize for her film 'Le Tableau Noir' (Blackboard) won ex-aequo with Swedish director Roy Andersson (R) for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor) at the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 21. Chinese actress Michele Yeoh (C) presented the Jury Prize to Makhmalbaf and Andersson. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf holds her Jury Prize for her film 'Le Tableau Noir' (Blackboard) at the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 21. The twenty-year-old director won the Jury Prize [ex-aequo with Swedish director Roy Andersson for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor).] 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf (C) holds her Jury Prize for her film 'Le Tableau Noir' (Blackboard) after the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 21. Makhmalbaf stands with Iranian directors Hassan Yektapanah (L) and Bahman Ghobadi (R) who won the ex-aequo Camera d'Or (Golden Camera) prize for their films. The twenty-year-old director won the Jury Prize ex-aequo with Swedish director Roy Andersson for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor).

JES//ME 

Swedish director Roy Andersson holds his ex-aequo Jury Prize for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor) at a photo call after the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 21. Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf also won the Jury Prize for her film 'Le Tableau Nor' (Blackboard).

JES//ME 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf holds her Jury Prize for her film 'Le
Tableau Noir' (Blackboard) after the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film
Festival May 21. The twenty-year-old director won the Jury Prize ex-aequo
with Swedish director Roy Andersson for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra
Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor). REUTERS/Fred Prouser PP03050055

JES//ME 

Swedish director Roy Andersson holds his ex-aequo Jury Prize for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor) at the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 21. Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf also won the Jury Prize for her film 'Le Tableau Nor' (Blackboard).

JES/ 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf (L) holds her Jury Prize for her film 'Le Tableau Noir' (Blackboard) won ex-aequo with Swedish director Roy Andersson (R) for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor) at the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 21. Chinese actress Michele Yeoh (C) presented the Jury Prize to Makhmalbaf and Andersson.

JES/ 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf holds her Jury Prize for her film 'Le Tableau Noir' (Blackboard) at the awards ceremony at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 21. The twenty-year-old director won the Jury Prize ex-aequo with Swedish director Roy Andersson for his film entry 'Sanger Fran Andra Vaningen' (Songs from the Second Floor).

JES/ 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf waves as she climbs the red-carpeted stairs for the official screening of her film Takhte Siah (Blackboards) at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 12. The 20-year-old Iranian woman is the youngest director with a film entry in competion for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the annual film jamboree on the French Riviera. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf waves as she climbs the red-carpeted stairs for the official screening of her film Takhte Siah (Blackboards) at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival May 12. The 20-year-old Iranian woman is the youngest director with a film entry in competion for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the annual film jamboree on the French Riviera.

JES/FMS 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf adjusts her head scarf during a photo call May 11 for her film "Takhte Siah" at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival. Makhmalbaf's entry is one of twenty-three films from 15 countries screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) on the French Riviera. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf waves at the end of a photo call, May 11, for her film "Takhte Siah" at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival. Makhmalbaf's entry is one of twenty-three films from 15 countries screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) on the French Riviera. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf adjusts her head scarf during a photo call, May 11, for her film "Takhte Siah" at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival. Makhmalbaf's entry is one of twenty-three films from 15 countries screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) on the French Riviera. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf adjusts her head scarf during a photo call, May 11, for her film "Takhte Siah" at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival. Makhmalbaf's entry is one of twenty-three films from 15 countries screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) on the French Riviera. 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf waves at the end of a photo call, May 11, for her film "Takhte Siah" at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival. Makhmalbaf's entry is one of twenty-three films from 15 countries screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) on the French Riviera.

JES/AS 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf adjusts her head scarf during a photo call May 11 for her film "Takhte Siah" at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival. Makhmalbaf's entry is one of twenty-three films from 15 countries screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) on the French Riviera.

JES/AA 

Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf adjusts her head scarf during a photo call, May 11, for her film "Takhte Siah" at the 53rd Cannes Film Festival. Makhmalbaf's entry is one of twenty-three films from 15 countries screened in competition for the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) on the French Riviera.

JES/AS