Iranian auteur film set for world premiere at London fest

Acclaimed Iranian auteur Majid Majidi’s new film ‘Beyond the Clouds’ is to make first world appearance on Friday at BFI London Film Festival.

The flick set in the slums of Mumbai in India, will enjoy global premiere on October 13 with a follow-up screening the day after.

“Director Majid Majidi delivers a powerful coming-of-age tale about a brother trying to save his jailed sister,” the fest’s catalogue text read, adding, “Risk-taking Iranian director Majid Majidi, best known for his Oscar-nominated Children of Heaven, moves to Mumbai for this stunning feature.”

Talking about his experience of working with an Indian cast and crew, Majidi said in a statement, "This is the first feature film I have made outside Iran, and it's an experience I have been waiting for years to happen. 'Beyond The Clouds' is an extension of my cinematic beliefs, the roots of which lie in human values, love, friendship and family bonding."

Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's first ever Indian film, 'Beyond The Clouds', which also marks Ishaan Khattar's launch pad in cinema.

Meanwhile, the festival director ealier praised Majidi and his film as “powerful outsider eye” and “stunning”, respectively.

"Majid Majidi brings a powerful outsider eye to Mumbai in this compelling, visually stunning film driven by an extraordinary debut performance from Ishaan Khattar... We are very proud to present its World Premiere in Official Competition at the BFI London Film Festival," Clare Stewart said.

The film stars Indian artists Ishaan Khattar and Malavika Mohanan in the lead roles.

The 61st BFI London Film Festival runs October 4-16, hosting scrores of world premieres, international premieres and European premieres.

AG/AG