Singapore festival to vie Iran’s ‘Disappearance’

Iran feature ‘Disappearance’ wins the top prize of the 28th Singapore International Film Festival.

Directed by Ali Asgari, the Iran-Qatar joint cinematic project depicts the story of two young lovers who go from hospital to hospital in search of help on a cold night in Tehran. They are bound by a secret which cannot be discovered under any circumstances by the adults who are handling their situation. Soon they will have to face the tragic consequences of their youthful inexperience.

‘Disappearance’ is the first feature-length film by Asgari, whose short films have competed in Venice and Cannes. The project was developed in the Cannes Cinefondation Residence and received a grant from the Doha Film Institute. It was produced in Iran.

The film also earned lead actress Sadaf Asgari the Silver Screen Award for best performer.

The jury, headed by India’s Shekhar Kapur, said the film has ‘such amazing simplicity, truth and compassion, and yet conveys the complexity of a whole culture and human relationships that resonate deeply, whichever culture you belong to.’

The 28th edition of the Singaporean event was is being held from 23 November to 3 December 2017, to wrap up today, with ‘Audience Award’ yet to be awaiting the flick, as it will be decided later today.

MF/MF