Iranian cinema: highlights from past week

In a week brimming with new releases and updates, the Iranian cinema scene is filled with anticipation and excitement.

Here's a look at the latest developments:

1. Filming ‘Highway Deer’ reaches midway point  

Filming for the movie ‘Highway Deer’, produced and directed by Abolfazl Safari, has reached its midway point.

The production began some time ago in Tehran.

The main cast includes Elnaz Shakerdoust, Navid Pourfaraj, Sadaf Asgari, Saman Safari, and Siamak Adib, with special appearances by Behnoush Bakhtiari and Peyman Qasemkhani.

‘Highway Deer’, a social drama, is written by Bagher Soroush and Abolfazl Safari.

The movie is a joint production between Iran and Germany.

2. Reza Attaran to come to theaters with ‘The Funnel’

With the signing of the contract for the film ‘The Funnel’, directed by Mohsen Amiryousefi and produced by Saeed Malekan, the movie is set to premiere in movie theaters starting September 5th.

This comedy features a unique performance by Reza Attaran, alongside Farideh Sepah Mansour, Giti Moeeni, Reza Nik-kha, Sadaf Asgari, Vida Javan, Touraj Nasr and Abbas Jamshidifar.

‘The Funnel’ will be distributed in cinemas by Tehran-based Khaneh Film Distribution Company. It is co-written by Reza Attaran and Mohsen Amiryousefi.

3. ‘Secret Camp’ nears completion, set for Fajr Film Festival debut

Danesh Eghbashavi, the director of ‘The Secret Camp’, announced that the film is currently in its final stages of editing and is set to premiere at this year's Fajr International Film Festival.

Produced by Jalil Shabani, ‘Secret Camp’ depicts a crucial period in the life of martyr Ali Hashemi, a prominent Iranian commander, focusing on his role in the reconnaissance and planning of Operation Kheibar.

The editing process began at the start of July this year.

The film stars Reza Masoudi, Mehdi Zaminpardaz, Yasin Masoudi, Mohammad Asgari, and Mohammad-Reza Yazdi.

‘Secret Camp’ is the second joint production between the Owj Arts and Media Organization and the Farabi Cinema Foundation.

4. ‘Heart of Raqqah’ granted public screening license

The film ‘Heart of Raqqah’, directed by Kheirollah Taqianipour and produced by Saeed Parveeni, has been granted a public screening license.

The film stars Shahram Haqiqatdoust, Farhad Qaemian, Mohammad-Reza Sharifinia, Hedayat Hashemi, Mostafa Sasani and Shadi Mokhtari.

‘Heart of Raqqah’ revolves around the axis of resistance and the unique events that occur in this field, focusing on the events of the past few years in Syria.

Part of this film was shot in the Sacred Defense Cinema City, with other scenes filmed elsewhere.