Saeed Roustayi’s ‘Woman and Child’ Makes Waves at the 78th Cannes Film Festival!
The 78th Cannes Film Festival has recently revealed exciting updates to its 2025 festival lineup, featuring the latest work from acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Saeed Roustayi. This year, the competition section has expanded, increasing the number of films contending for the prestigious Palme d’Or from an initial selection of 19 to 21. Roustayi’s new film, titled “Woman and Child,” joins a remarkable roster of films, including works from renowned directors like Ari Aster and Wes Anderson, enhancing the festival’s reputation for showcasing exceptional international cinema.
According to ILNA, Roustayi’s “Woman and Child” is a gripping contemporary family drama that explores themes of revenge and forgiveness. The film features prominent Iranian actress Parinaz Izadyar, known for her role in Law of Tehran, portraying a widowed nurse grappling with the challenges of raising her rebellious son. After a tragic accident alters their lives, she faces a tumultuous journey of betrayal and the quest for justice.
Other notable cast members include:
- Payman Maadi (Law of Tehran, A Separation)
- Hassan Pourshirazi (The Old Bachelor)
- Soha Niasti
- Fereshteh Sadre Orafaee
- Maziar Seyedi
- Sahar Goldoost
Saeed Roustayi, who previously garnered a nomination for the Palme d’Or in 2022 with his acclaimed film Leila’s Brothers, continues to focus on socially relevant topics through his cinematic storytelling. His earlier work, which starred Taraneh Alidoosti and Payman Maadi, received the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, solidifying Roustayi’s status as a significant voice in contemporary Iranian cinema.
At just 35 years old, Roustayi has established himself as a filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer dedicated to addressing issues of social injustice and highlighting the experiences of women within Iranian society. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Film and Television Directing from Soore University and has received numerous accolades for his work, including two Crystal Simorgh awards for best directing and best screenplay at the Fajr International Film Festival for his debut feature film Life and a Day in 2016. This movie also won the 2016 Reflet d’Or for Best Feature at the Geneva International Film Festival Tous Ecrans.
His second feature, Law of Tehran (2019), not only received a César Award nomination for Best Foreign Film but also garnered critical acclaim at the 76th Venice Film Festival. The film won multiple awards, including the Crystal Simorgh for Audience Choice of Best Film at the 37th Fajr Film Festival, further showcasing Roustayi’s talent and vision.
Law of Tehran, a thrilling drama also known as Just 6.5, was recognized as one of the 50 best films released in the UK in 2023 by The Guardian, highlighting its impactful narrative and strong performances.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival is set to take place from May 13 to 24, featuring a star-studded lineup. Renowned French actress Juliette Binoche will preside over the jury for the main competition, while the celebrated actor Robert De Niro will be honored with the Honorary Palme d’Or during the festival’s opening ceremony.
In a somber turn of events, the festival also addressed the tragic loss of Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna, who was killed alongside ten members of her family in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Gaza City on April 16. Hassouna was a key subject in the documentary film Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk by Sepideh Farsi. The festival expressed its condolences and condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, underscoring the importance of social issues in cinema.
As the festival approaches, excitement builds around the works being showcased, especially Roustayi’s “Woman and Child,” which promises to offer a poignant narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide. The inclusion of such diverse and thought-provoking films reaffirms Cannes’ commitment to celebrating global cinema and the stories that need to be told.
