Shahram Mokri's 'Black Rabbit, White Rabbit' Set to Premiere at Busan International Film Festival

TEHRAN – The highly anticipated film “Black Rabbit, White Rabbit” by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Shahram Mokri is set to make its world premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). This prestigious event will take place in South Korea from September 17 to 26. Selected for the Vision–Asia section, this marks Mokri’s fifth feature film, which is a collaborative production between Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates. The film explores the intertwined destinies of three individuals through seemingly unrelated events, as reported by ISNA.

In “Black Rabbit, White Rabbit,” the storyline unfolds with a director who is remaking a classic Iranian film in Tajikistan. Tension arises when the studio armorer expresses concern that the gun intended for use is not merely a prop, raising fears about potential consequences. Meanwhile, a young woman arrives at the filming location, adamant about auditioning for a role. Concurrently, in a different part of the city, Sara, who has recently recovered from a car accident, comes to the shocking realization that her accident was orchestrated as part of a larger conspiracy. These characters’ paths inevitably cross, leading to a gripping narrative.

The film boasts a talented cast including:

Babak Karimi
Hasti Mohammai
Kibriyo Dilyobova
Bezhan Davlyatov

With a runtime of 139 minutes, “Black Rabbit, White Rabbit” is poised to captivate audiences. According to Negar Eskanderfar, the film’s producer, “We have also planned to release it in Iran, simultaneously with foreign festivals.” This strategy aims to maximize its exposure and reach a broader audience.

Eskanderfar, who previously collaborated with Mokri on the film “Careless Crime,” describes “Black Rabbit, White Rabbit” as a continuation of Mokri’s artistic journey. She elaborates, “This film is a complex story of the fates of three people whose life events seem, on the surface, unrelated.” Furthermore, she expresses her strong belief in the film’s quality, stating, “I believe that this is the best film Shahram Mokri has made in his cinematic career, and more importantly, Mokri himself believes in this and considers this film his best one.”

Shahram Mokri, aged 47, has garnered significant recognition in the film industry. He won the Venice Film Festival’s Horizons Award in 2013 for Creative Content with his second feature film, “Fish & Cat.” His third film, “Invasion,” was showcased at the 68th Berlin Film Festival in 2018, earning a nomination for the prestigious Teddy Award. In addition, Mokri received a silver Hugo medal at the Chicago Film Festival for his fourth film, “Careless Crime,” as well as the Venice Critics’ Best Screenplay Award.

Mokri is also a founding member of the ISFA Cinema House Short Film Association, where he has served on the board of directors for three terms. His contributions to the arts were recognized in 2003 when he was named the best young artist in the country by the National Youth Organization. In 2013, he was nominated for the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Achievement in Directing for “Fish & Cat.”

Throughout his career, all of Mokri’s films have achieved remarkable success, resonating with both critics and the audience alike. His expertise extends beyond filmmaking, as he has participated as a jury member in several prestigious international film festivals, including:

2021 Orizzonti jury at the 78th Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica, Venice
57th Chicago International Film Festival
75th Locarno International Film Festival, 2022

The Busan International Film Festival is dedicated to discovering and showcasing exceptional Korean and Asian films, providing a platform for these works to reach global audiences. The festival plays a crucial role in solidifying Busan’s identity as a mecca for film and visual culture in Asia. Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious film festivals in the region, the BIFF is instrumental in shaping the cinematic landscape of Asia and stands proudly alongside other renowned film festivals worldwide.

As “Black Rabbit, White Rabbit” prepares for its premiere at BIFF, the excitement is palpable among film enthusiasts eager to witness Mokri’s latest cinematic endeavor. The film promises to deliver a thought-provoking narrative that intertwines the lives of its characters in unexpected ways.

Photo: A scene from “Black Rabbit, White Rabbit” by Shahram Mokri