The Last Act, adapted from the play of the same name (French: Dernier Acte) by French writer Gilbert Cesbron, is an American film directed by Shahab Hosseini, starring American actors Gia Mora and James Wagner. The film was recently screened at the 8th edition of the Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival, which is qualified by the Canadian Screen Awards. It was well received by critics and the festival jury, and, at the festival’s closing ceremony, Shahab Hosseini received the award for Best North American Film.

The film had previously been showcased at festivals such as the Diorama International Film Festival in Dubai, UAE; the MICMX International Film Festival in Mexico; and the Xposure International Photography and Film Festival in Sharjah, UAE.

This is not Hosseini’s first film made in the United States. He had previously directed The Writer Is Dead, which was adapted from a play of the same name by Iranian writer Arash Abbasi.

In an interview with the Canadian festival, Hosseini went on to express hope that he would continue creating meaningful works inspired by Iranian culture, literature, and stories that remain largely unknown to global audiences.

The Last Act is a haunting portrayal of the suppression of thought, life, and individual agency under authoritarian regimes. Set in an undefined time and place, it follows a writer who, during a visit with his family, is pursued and arrested. A conversation between the writer and a government official leads to an unexpected ending.

The film is scheduled to be screened in Iran prior to its public release in the United States and Europe, allowing Iranian audiences to experience it firsthand.