Upcoming comedy films set to make a splash in Iran’s cinema scene

Amid the challenges and hurdles often encountered during the production of socially-themed films, there has been a notable surge in the popularity of comedy films.

The enthusiastic response from audiences to comedy films and the assurance of generating at least a minimum level of box office sales, coupled with the challenges inherent in producing socially themed movies, have prompted a shift towards prioritizing comedy projects within the private sector.

Consequently, a dozen comedy films are presently progressing through different production phases, contributing to a scenario that may add a subtle layer of complexity to the screening process.

A dozen comedies in progress

Currently, three comedy films are ready for release and poised to hit the screens soon. Leading the pack is ‘Hotel’, directed by Seyyed Masoud Atyabi and produced by Mohammad Shayesteh.

Hailed as a potential cornerstone of the industry's vitality and sales in the latter part of the year, ‘Hotel’ (هتل) is ready to make its grand debut.

Another comedy, ‘Seaside Villa’ (ویلای ساحلی), directed by Kianoush Ayyari and featuring Reza Attaran and Pejman Jamshidi, also stands ready to premier on the cinematic stage.  

In the technical stage

Building upon the successful teamwork of Karim Amini and Ebrahim Amerian, the forthcoming film ‘Jolbak’ (جلبک) has entered its conclusive post-production phase.

Having concluded the filming process, it is presently undergoing technical polishing, and is expected to be ready for screening soon.

Concurrently, ‘Funnel’ (قیف), under the direction of Mohsen Amir Yousefi and the production guidance of Saeed Malekan, is advancing in the technical phase, with Reza Attaran in the lead role.

In shooting stage

Among the comedies that have moved to the filming stage are ‘Bloody Crocodile’ (تمساح خونی), Javad Ezzati's directorial debut, along with ‘Money Party’ (پول پارتی) by Saeed Soheili and ‘Gladiator’ (گلادیاتور) by Mostafa Taqizadeh.

In pre-production stage

Hossein Doumari is gearing up for his first independent film, ‘Molotov Cocktail’ (كوكتل مولوتوف), in the comedy genre, currently in the concluding phases of pre-production.

‘Quick Cook’ (زودپز), directed by Shahram Shah Hosseini, is also in the pre-production stage.

Meanwhile, ‘Texas 3’ (تگزاس 3), directed by Masoud Atiabi, has commenced pre-production, with filming scheduled after the completion of the ‘Blue Nissan 2’ (نيسان آبى ٢) series.

MM/FM