Iranian cinema: highlights from past week

Amidst a backdrop of record-breaking debuts and captivating releases, Iranian cinema finds itself enveloped in an atmosphere of anticipation and enthusiasm.

Here is a glimpse into the latest happenings:

1. Reza Attaran and Parinaz Izdiyar are set to star in a new movie directed by Pedram Pouramiri.

The film, described as a satire comedy, is being produced by Mojtaba Rashvand and has started the pre-production phase.

In the movie, Attaran will portray a man who is asked to stand in for Saddam Hussein due to his striking resemblance to the former Iraqi dictator .

2. Mostafa Zamani will soon be seen in the upcoming movie 'Fragrant', joining co-stars Hoda Zeinolabedin, Kourosh Tahami, Homayoun Ershadi, and Hessam Mahmoudi.

Written by Hossein Hosni and directed by Hadi Moqaddam-Doust, 'Fragrant' is a romantic melodrama exploring themes of strength and resilience in the characters' lives.

3. 'Year of the Cat' by Mostafa Taqizadeh has unveiled a new poster as it continues its successful run in the movie theaters.

Since its premiere on April 11, 2024, the film has attracted more than 620,000 viewers.

Featuring an ensemble cast, including Bahram Afshari, Sara Bahrami, Houman Barqnavard, 'Year of the Cat' has captivated audiences with its hilarious storytelling.

4. Director Morteza Rahimi has announced the completion of the final technical stages of the movie 'That Two', produced by Seyyed-Alireza Sabet-Ahmadi.

The film, which deals with the subject of the sacred defense, is set to participate in the 36th International Film Festival for Children and Youth in Isfahan.

Starring Aliram Nouraee and Fariba Kosari, 'That Two' is expected to be publicly screened in the second half of the year.

5. Production of 'The Last Month', written and produced by Amir-Hossein Enayati and directed by Sofia Mousavian, has wrapped up.

The film follows an engineer, Parisa Mohtasham, as she gets entangled in a criminal incident amidst family problems and the construction of a residential complex.

6. 'Light Blue', directed by Babak Khajeh-Pasha, has received a screening license and is set to hit the movie theaters soon.

The film, featuring a talented cast, including Mehran Ahmadi and Sara Hatami, centers on the discovery of a rare turquoise that leads the leading role to a perilous journey.

7. 'Texas 3', directed by Masoud Atyabi and produced by Ebrahim Amerian, is gearing up for its premiere on May 22, 2024.

The comedy, starring Pejman Jamshidi, Sam Derakhshani, Jaleh Sameti, and Mehdi Hashemi, promises to continue the laughter-filled legacy of its predecessors, with a poster designed by Mohammad Taqipour adding to the anticipation.

8. 'Once Upon a Time, Abadan', the debut film by Hamidreza Azarang, is set to hit cinema screens soon.

Co-produced by Azarang, Abdollah Eskandari, and Ali Owji, the movie features a stellar cast, including Fatemeh Motamed-Arya and Mohsen Tanabandeh.

Nominated for Crystal Simorgh awards in seven categories at the 39th Fajr Film Festival, 'Once Upon a Time, Abadan' has already garnered praise for its performances.

MM/MG