Iran picks 'In the Arms of the Tree' for 2025 Oscar race

'In the Arms of the Tree' has been selected to represent Iran at the 2025 Academy Awards.

A nine-member committee at the Farabi Cinema Foundation in Iran made the selection after a rigorous 10-day review of eligible films.

Directed and written by Babak Khajeh-Pasha, 'In the Arms of the Tree' was selected as the top choice for submission.

The film received the Crystal Simorgh Award for Best Screenplay at the 41st Fajr International Film Festival. 

The film follows a family on the brink of collapse and explores themes such as family reconciliation and emotional bonds.

The selection committee includes notable figures from Iran's film industry, such as acclaimed directors Narges Abyar and Fereydoun Jeyrani and actors Shabnam Moqaddami and Ali Dehkordi. 

Iran has a notable history at the Academy Awards, particularly in the Best International Feature Film category (formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film).

The country's breakthrough came in 2012 when Asghar Farhadi's 'A Separation' won the Oscar, marking Iran's first victory in this category.

Farhadi repeated this success in 2017 with 'The Salesman', securing Iran's second win. 

Iran's film industry and cinema enthusiasts eagerly await the international reception of 'In the Arms of the Tree' as Iran's entry for the Best International Feature category at the 2025 Oscars.