The Persian Rug Earns Top Screenplay Honors at the 2026 Beverly Hills Film Festival

The short film The Persian Rug continues its impressive rise on the international festival circuit, recently earning the Best Screenplay Award at the 2026 Beverly Hills Film Festival. The recognition follows the film’s official selection and screening at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood on April 17, with the award presented during the festival’s prestigious Awards Night Gala held at The Beverly Hilton on April 19.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gabriel Beristain and co-written by Kathleen McLaughlin, Victoria Foster, and Beristain, The Persian Rug stands out as a deeply introspective and emotionally charged work. The film explores themes of identity, resilience, and the personal cost of transformation, offering a narrative that resonates far beyond its runtime. Produced by Pasha Kaya and award-winning actress Golsa Sarabi, the project brings together a strong creative vision and a compelling ensemble cast.

Sarabi leads the film alongside a notable lineup that includes Sean Kanan, known for his roles in The Karate Kid Part III, Cobra Kai, The Bold and the Beautiful, the longest running drama series in the world, and General Hospital, as well as Shila Ommi (Tehran, KAOS), Tristan Cunningham (Reasonable Doubt), Catherine Carlen (The Residence), Said Faraj, and Saye Yabandeh. Their performances collectively elevate the film’s emotional depth and narrative complexity.

The celebration of the film’s success was marked by the presence of key figures behind the project, including Sarabi, Kaya, and Beristain, along with select cast members and industry guests. For Sarabi, the recognition carries a deeply personal meaning.

“I’m deeply honored that The Persian Rug has been recognized by the Beverly Hills Film Festival,” she shared. “This film is incredibly personal to me, and this recognition, especially for the writing, reinforces the importance of telling stories that challenge perception and give voice to complex, often unseen experiences.”

Producer Pasha Kaya echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the film’s emotional core. “At its heart, The Persian Rug is a story about the emotional cost of transformation. This project was built with immense care and conviction, and this recognition affirms the power of telling stories that are both intimate and universal.”

At its center, the film unfolds as a soliloquy, tracing the inner world of Golsa, a former Miss Iran turned aspiring actress living in exile. As she prepares for a pivotal audition in a Western production, she takes on the role of Fatima, a veiled Iranian woman navigating the tension between tradition and rebellion. During this process, Golsa is confronted by Zara, a haunting embodiment of her past self, forcing her to reconcile memory, trauma, and identity. The narrative blurs the boundaries between performance and reality, creating a layered exploration of what it means to transform while holding onto one’s truth.

The Persian Rug first premiered at the DaVinci International Film Festival in October 2025, following an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run at CineLounge Sunset in Los Angeles. Since then, it has built significant momentum, earning widespread acclaim across multiple festivals.

Among its many accolades, Golsa Sarabi has received Best Actress honors at the San Diego International Film Awards, Calgary Indie Film Awards, and Niagara Falls International Short Festival, where the film also won Best Human Rights Film. Additional recognition includes Best Short Drama at the Cine Vista Oasis Film Awards, Best Feminist Film at the Brooklyn International Short Awards, and Best Women Empowerment Short at Palm Beach Shorts.

The film’s global reach continues to expand, with awards such as Best Human Rights Film at Tokyo ShortFest and selections at numerous international festivals. It has also earned an Honorable Mention at Hollywood ShortsFest and multiple semifinalist placements at respected events including the New York International Women Festival, Rome International Short Festival, Rio de Janeiro World Film Festival, Sacramento Independent Film Festival, Santa Ana Independent Film Awards, Paris Lady MovieMakers Festival, and the New Jersey International Short Festival. Notably, the film was also named a finalist at the 2026 French Riviera Film Festival in Cannes.

With its growing list of accolades and increasing international recognition, The Persian Rug is solidifying its place as a powerful and relevant work in contemporary cinema. Through its intimate storytelling and bold thematic exploration, the film continues to captivate audiences and critics alike, proving that deeply personal stories can carry universal impact.

Photos courtesy of Golsa Enterprises Corp.
Photos: l-r Gabriel Beristain, Golsa Sarabi, Pasha Kaya