Global media review Iranian ‘Yalda’

Iranian internationally-acclaimed movie has been reviewed by a number of global cinematic critics.

In this article we will have a look on what international media say about ‘Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness’ directed by Masoud Bakhshi.

Hollywoodreporter: “There is really much to enjoy in this paradoxical but grippingly paced film. Young Asgari is beautifully cast in the main role, which demands many scenes played in tears and hysterics.”

Tomris Laffly from Variety wrote: “Bakhshi is successful in bringing Mona's story full circle as she discovers ways to exercise it the hard way.”

Film critic Ian Thomas Malone noted that: “’Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness’ is a powerful film, striking at the heart of humanity through a jaded modern lens.”

Fabien Lemercier from Cineuropa also said that: "The director/writer confirms his skill for efficient storytelling with a film reflecting on thorny moral and social questions around love and hate, through an interrogation of the desire for revenge."

Screendaly mentioned: “The whole notion of the show can’t help but feel contrived and the emotional pitch veers towards the hysterical, especially in the latter stages with one unexpected twist that significantly ups the stakes.”

The German-dubbed edition of the film is currently on the silver screen in German cinemas.

Produced by Ali Mosaffa, ‘Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness' is about a young Iranian woman who is sentenced to death. She seeks to obtain forgiveness from her accusers via a popular reality TV show.

Behnaz Jafari, Faqiheh Soltani, Fereshteh Sadr-Orafaee, Bahram Afshar, Fereshteh Hosseini and Babak Karimi are among the cast members of the flick.

‘Yalda’ has so far gained international recognition by participating in a number of film events where it won multiple awards, the most important of which include the Grand Jury Award at the 2020 Int’l Dramatic Film at Sundance Film Festival in the US and the Special Mention for best screenplay at the 24th Sofia Int’l Film Festival (SIFF) in Bulgaria. 

The film is also to be screened in both summer and autumn editions of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, which will be held in September and October.

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