The Persian Rug Wins Best Screenplay at the 2026 Beverly Hills Film Festival
Beverly Hills, CA April 28, 2026 The short film The Persian Rug has been awarded Best Screenplay at the 2026 Beverly Hills Film Festival. The film had its official selection and screening at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood on April 17, leading up to the award presentation during the festival’s Awards Night Gala held on April 19 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Directed by Gabriel Beristain, an award-winning filmmaker, the screenplay was collaboratively written by Kathleen McLaughlin, Victoria Foster, and Beristain. The Persian Rug delves into themes of resilience, identity, and the sacrifices associated with art and survival. The production was led by Pasha Kaya, with acclaimed actress Golsa Sarabi as a producer. The cast includes notable actors such as Sean Kanan, Shila Ommi, Tristan Cunningham, Catherine Carlen, Said Faraj, and Saye Yabandeh.
Key attendees at the gala included producers Golsa Sarabi and Pasha Kaya, director Gabriel Beristain, and select cast members. Sarabi expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the personal significance of the film and the importance of telling impactful narratives. Kaya added that the film addresses the emotional costs tied to transformation and the universal nature of such stories.
The Persian Rug is structured as a soliloquy focusing on the choices made in the quest for authenticity and survival. It follows Golsa, a former Miss Iran turned aspiring actress in exile, as she prepares for a critical audition for a controversial role in a Western film. During this journey, she confronts a ghostly figure, Zara, who reflects her past in Iran, blurring the lines between character and self.
The film premiered at the DaVinci International Film Festival on October 11, 2025, after an Oscar®-qualifying theatrical run at CineLounge Sunset from October 3–9, 2025. It continues to gain recognition on the international festival circuit, building significant momentum.
The Persian Rug has received numerous accolades, including Best Actress for Golsa Sarabi at several international film festivals, and was honored as Best Human Rights Film at the Niagara Falls International Short Festival. Additional awards include Best Short Drama at the Cine Vista Oasis Film Awards, Best Feminist Film at the Brooklyn International Short Awards, and Best Women’s Empowerment Short at Palm Beach Shorts.
International accolades also include Best Human Rights Film at Tokyo ShortFest, an Official Selection at the Silver Screen Film Festival, and multiple recognitions at prestigious film festivals such as the New York International Women’s Festival and the Cannes French Riviera Film Festival, where it was named a Finalist in 2026, further enhancing its global presence.
