11th Apricot Tree International Documentary Film Festival: Showcasing Iranian Cinema with Esteemed Jury

Two remarkable Iranian films are set to shine at the 11th Apricot Tree International Documentary Film Festival, taking place from August 30 to September 6 in Yerevan, Armenia. This year, an esteemed Iranian filmmaker will also serve as a jury member, adding to the festival’s prestige. The selected films include “Karun – The Longest River of Iran”, directed by Sahand Sarhaddi, and “Reluctant Bachelor” by Mehdi Bagheri. The event promises to be a significant platform for showcasing Iranian cinema.

The festival will feature “Karun – The Longest River of Iran”, a poignant 19-minute documentary that is a collaborative production involving Iran, Switzerland, and Finland. It is set to compete in the Short Films Competition section. This film delves into a tragic event from September 22, 1998, when Iranian poet Hamid Hajizadeh and his son, Karun, were brutally murdered in their home in Kerman. The documentary reconstructs this politically charged incident through the eyes of survivors, bringing to life the harrowing day with intimate shots of Hamid’s study.

Sahand Sarhaddi, a talented 34-year-old filmmaker and visual artist, helms this evocative project. An alumnus of the prestigious Berlinale Talent 2023, Sarhaddi studied theater and dramatic literature at the University of Tehran. He began his artistic journey in 2006 as a photographer for various publications, focusing on integrating untold stories across history, photography, music, and literature. His body of work includes participation in over ten exhibitions and the direction of five short and feature films showcased at international festivals in countries such as Iran, Switzerland, France, the UK, the U.S., Germany, and Canada.

In addition to Sarhaddi’s film, “Reluctant Bachelor” will be featured in the festival’s Non-Competition Program. This 58-minute film, produced in 2013, portrays the director’s own struggles as he navigates life at the age of 30 while living with his parents due to financial constraints. The film explores themes of familial relationships and personal accountability.

Mehdi Bagheri, the 44-year-old director of “Reluctant Bachelor”, is a well-respected editor, producer, and documentary filmmaker who honed his skills at the Tehran Film School. A member of both the Tehran Documentary Filmmakers Association and the Association of Documentary Producers, Bagheri boasts an impressive portfolio of over 30 films and documentary series. His work has earned numerous accolades, including the Best Film award in the City section of Cinema Vérité 2016.

Serving as a jury member for this year’s festival is Hadi Afarideh, a 41-year-old filmmaker who began his artistic journey in theater in 1998 before transitioning to cinema in 2001. His recognition as the best documentary filmmaker in Iran arose from his participation in specialized workshops organized by the Documentary and Experimental Film Center and the Iranian Documentary Filmmakers Association. With over 140 film festival appearances and various awards for directing, writing, and research, Afarideh is a prominent figure in the industry. He is a member of the Iranian Documentary Filmmakers Association and the Iranian Short Film Association (ISFA), and he currently teaches cinema directing and documentary filmmaking.

The Apricot Tree International Documentary Film Festival is an annual event that takes place in an Armenian village, usually in late August or early September. Since 2023, the festival has been hosted in the village of Debet. It serves as both a celebration of documentary films across genres—such as ethnographic, experimental, and animated—and a platform for filmmakers to connect and exchange ideas in a welcoming atmosphere. Participants reside in local villagers’ homes, allowing them to immerse themselves in Armenian culture.

Unlike many traditional film festivals, the Apricot Tree Festival eschews red carpets and grand ceremonies. Instead, it fosters a cozy, friendly environment where filmmakers and audiences can bond, share experiences, and learn about one another’s work. The festival includes various excursions to museums and landmarks, providing participants with insights into local culture and history. Attendees are encouraged to hike and share meals with the generous inhabitants of Debet.

The festival features two competition programs: one for feature-length films (over 40 minutes) and another for short films (under 40 minutes). Additionally, there is an Out of Competition program that showcases retrospectives and notable films that align with the festival’s theme.

The Apricot Tree International Documentary Film Festival not only highlights the rich tapestry of documentary filmmaking but also creates a vibrant community where stories are shared, cultures are celebrated, and artistic connections are formed.