Iran’s ‘Kejal’ competing in Philippines

The 15th edition of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in the Philippines has been screening Iranian feature ‘Kejal’.

The Iranian feature is competing at the Visions of Asia section of the Cinemalaya.

Directed by Nima Yar, ‘Kejal’ is about a young university student who takes the hard way to look after her mother and brother.

“Kejal pictures the power of one’s belief and the possibility that there is always a solution and hope in any aspect of our life. Many people do not want to be into politics, therefore, many policies are not humane,” the director said about his film.

The film cast includes Maryam Boubani, Nastaran Mohammadi and Samira Zokaee who portrays the female lead.

‘Kejal’ was offered at the Cannes Film Market in France in 2018, won the NETPAC award at the 22nd Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, and went on screen at a number of global events, including the 11th Bengaluru International Film Festival in India.

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is held annually during the months of July and August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex.

Organized by the Cinemalaya Foundation, with the support of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Econolink Investments Inc., the festival’s aim is to develop and promote Filipino independent films.

The 15th edition of the Cinemalaya is slated for August 2-13, 2019.

MG/AG