Iranian cinema: highlights from past week

In a week brimming with new releases and updates, the Iranian cinema scene is filled with anticipation and excitement.

Here's a look at the latest developments:

1. ‘A Relic of the South’ unveils official poster, teaser

The official poster and teaser for the movie ‘A Relic of the South’ have been unveiled, coinciding with its release in cinemas across Iran.

Co-directed by Hossein Doumari and Pedram Pouramiri and produced by Mojtaba Roshvand, the film stars Elnaz Shakerdoust, Vahid Rahbani, and Pejman Jamshidi, with Sahar Dolatshahi and Saber Abar also appearing.

The tagline for the film reads, “Vahid seeks his love in the body of Rana, a prostitute.”

2. Mahmoud Dini returns to cinema with ‘Baloch Boy’

After years of absence, Mahmoud Dini is making a comeback with a new romantic action film titled ‘Baloch Boy’.

Known for his work in Iranian cinema and television during the 80s and 90s, Dini is taking on multiple roles in this project, including writing, directing, and producing.

The film is set at the Zero Point Gate in Baluchistan, but there is no news yet on whether Dini will also act in it.

3. ‘Karzar’ to hit movie theaters in late August

According to Mehr News Agency, the movie ‘Karzar’, written and directed by Shahram Asadzadeh and produced by Seyed Mohammad Qazi, will hit silver screen nationwide in the second half of August.

The film, rated for ages 15 and up, features actors Amir Aghaee, Nasim Adabi, Nader Fallah, Alireza Ostadi, Houman Seyyedi, Behzad Khalaj, and the late Siamak Atlasi.

‘Karzar’ presents an intricate narrative of a day and night in the lives of Fariborz and Mahboubeh, whose paths cross with another couple, Ashkan and Neda, amid chaos and conflict.

4. Contracts finalized for ‘Sweet Agony 2’, ‘Meeting with the Wizard’

The 11th meeting of the Film Screening Guild Council on July 07 concluded with the registration of contracts for two films:

- ‘Sweet Agony 2’, directed and produced by Alireza Davoudnjad, distributed by Filmmiran and to be shown by the head group of Farhang Cinema

- ‘Meeting with the Wizard’, directed by Hamid Bahramian and produced by Hamid Faridian, distributed by Filmmiran and to be shown by the head group of Pardis Iran Mall

5. Production license issued for ‘My Choice’  

The production license for the movie ‘My Choice’, written and directed by Mohammad Arab, has been issued, with pre-production set to begin soon.

This film will feature 100 new and unknown actors, who have received training to ensure their best performance.

Filming will take place in Tehran, with location scouting currently underway.

Mohammad Arab, known for directing films such as ‘Dash Akol’, ‘Bitter Sugar’, ‘Just an A’, and ‘Dark Symphony’, is also producing ‘My Choice’.