Cinema Vérité reveals mid-length lineup

The 15th edition of the Cinema Vérité, Iran’s major international documentary festival, has announced the lineup of foreign mid-length documentaries.

Directed by Mongolian filmmaker Nomin Lkhagvasuren, ‘The Wheel’ is one of the seven films in this section.

The film is about the descendants of invincible horseback warriors in Mongolia and the ending of their lives.

In ‘Ultimina’ by Italian filmmaker Jacopo Quadri, some 80 years after her birth in Tuscany farming country, Ultimina looks back on a tough life in which men have always been the boss. But that hasn’t quelled her energy and rebellious nature one bit.

Spanish director Patricia Franquesa in ‘Oh Dear Sara’ tells the story of Sara Bahai, the first female taxi driver and women’s rights activist in Afghanistan. She is garnering recognition in the public sphere to which she has always aspired. However, her greatest conflict arises in her own home.

‘One Image, Two Acts’ by Canada-based Iranian filmmaker Sanaz Sohrabi analyzes the role of images produced in the 20th century by oil companies operating in Iran as part of British colonialism.

‘Altered States of Consciousness’ by Polish director Piotr Stasik is about children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The director has close contact with them and the camera, trying to reflect their peculiar perception. Observing the protagonists in different situations, in flashes of genius and moments of crisis, the documentary allows us to glance at their fascinating and unconventional minds.

Croatian filmmaker Bruno Pavic’s ‘Landscape Zero’ is about a small coastal area that has been destroyed by the presence of industrial facilities. The film follows the lives of 4 protagonists, who are either fighting for their own survival among these dangerous facilities or living in harmonious coexistence with them. Scenes from their everyday lives intertwine with different art performances and observations of life in the zone which depict the adjustment of people and animals to the degraded environment.

Anisa Sabiri’s ‘Rhythms of Lost Time’ from Tajikistan is a journey through the most remote parts of Tajikistan, a young and little-known country, which cradles the last embers of an ancient culture.

Presided by Mohammad Hamidi-Moqaddam, the 2021 edition of the Cinema Vérité received more than 2,600 works from 73 countries.

It will be held in seven sections of national and international contests, presenting Shahid Avini Award, national and international side sections, a special section of Iran 1400, and specialized workshops.

The international competition consists of three sections including up to 40 minutes (Short Competition Section), 40 to 60 minutes (Mid-Length Competition Section) and 60 minutes and up (Full-Length Competition Section).

The Documentary and Experimental Film Centre (DEFC) organizes the event annually.

The festival showcases the very best of the documentary world in an attempt to bridge the gap between reality and truth.

Due to the spread of coronavirus, the 2021 edition of the Cinema Vérité will be held online on December 9-16.

MG/AG