OVERDUE RECOGNITION
One of the most poignant moments at last year's festival came just after famed Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami received a lifetime achievement trophy. 

He invited his compatriot Behrouz Vossoughi to join him onstage and handed the trophy to the shocked actor. The gesture was meant to acknowledge Vossoughi's career, cut short by Iran's volatile political situation. 

At 9 p.m. tomorrow at the Palace of Fine Arts, the film festival will pay its own tribute by screening "Dash Akol," starring Vossoughi as the love- struck hero, after which he will answer questions. Vossoughi made more than 90 films in Iran, but only this one and "Tangsir" (showing next weekend) are available with English subtitles. 

A megastar in the '60s and '70s, he moved to Los Angeles after the Shah was deposed in 1979. "But I couldn't live there comfortably because L.A. has so many Persian people who love me very much, and they would mob me on the street, " said Vossoughi, who has lived quietly in Sausalito for three years. 

He blames prejudice for the fact that he hasn't worked more in this country. 

"When I say I am from Iran, casting directors say, 'Thank you very much for coming.' My agent says I should say I'm from Egypt or Greece. But I can't do that. I need my dignity."