Preview of 42nd FIFF contenders – 1

As the 42nd Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF) approaches, cinephiles eagerly await the cinematic gems to grace the screen from February 1 to 11, 2024.

Among the much-anticipated contenders in the main competition section ‘Sodaye-Simorgh’, iFilm English delves into the first six of the selected 22 films, each promising a unique narrative.  

Let's embark on a preview of these compelling films, offering a glimpse into the stories that will unfold at this year's festival.

1. ‘Nowruz’: A historical journey for young minds

Soheil Movaffaq's cinematic prowess shines through in ‘Nowruz’, his third creation tailored for children and teenagers.

With a cast featuring Ali Nasirian, Mehdi Hashemi, Shabnam Moqaddami, Afshin Hashemi, and Mahtab Servati, the film promises a captivating historical atmosphere.  

2. ‘Sky of the West’: Asgari's tribute to martyr Shiroudi

Mohammad Asgari's second festival entry, ‘Sky of the West’, recounts the early wartime bravery of Martyr Shiroudi.

Collaborating with Soureh Cinema Organization and Farabi Cinema Foundation, Asgari assembles a cast, including Karim Amini from the high grossing comedy film ‘Fossil’.  

‘Sky of the West’ becomes the second artistic tribute to martyr Shiroudi, following the ‘Simorgh’ series, and marks the first cinematic portrayal of his courageous story.

3. ‘Light Blue’

Babak Khajepasha's ‘Light Blue’ marks his second consecutive appearance at the 42nd Fajr Film Festival.

The film's storyline, featuring Mehran Ahmadi, Mehran Ghafourian, Rouhollah Zamani, Ali-Akbar Asanlou, and Kazem Hazhir-Azad, remains undisclosed.

Notably, the return of Sara Hatami and Morteza Amini-Tabar, the duo from popular home market series ‘Mortal Wound’, adds intrigue to the exploration of ‘Light Blue’.

4. ‘Open Arm’: Mehdi Hashemi's triumphant return

Behrouz Shoeibi's ‘Open Arm’ marks Mehdi Hashemi's comeback to the 42nd Fajr Film Festival after an eight-year hiatus.

The film, Shoeibi's sixth at the festival, features a stellar cast and promises a narrative of three love stories that redefine the meaning of love.

Despite expectations for a cinema release in June, the film's screening was delayed, creating anticipation among festival-goers.

5. ‘Ahmad’: Amir Abbas Rabiee's continuing focus on contemporary history

‘Ahmad’ is Amir Abbas Rabiee's third appearance, narrating an untold story of the first 18 hours of the tragic Bam earthquake.

Released on the 20th anniversary of the event, the film maintains Rabiee's dedication to contemporary history. A notable inclusion is Tinou Salehi, a successful theater actor making her debut at the festival with ‘Ahmad’.

6. ‘Paradise of Criminals’: Jozani's insight into oil industry nationalization

Masoud Jafari Jozani's creation, awaited since the previous edition of the Fajr Film Festival, explores the nationalization of the oil industry.

Starring Amir Hossein Arman and Reza Yazdani, the film also boasts a cast including Laden Mostofi and Sahar Jafari Jozani.

Additionally, a mini-series of the film is set to air on the home market entertainment, adding another layer of anticipation for viewers.

To be continued ...

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