Discover 12 Must-See Foreign Documentaries at the Portrait Section of the 19th Cinema Verite Festival!

Get ready for an exciting celebration of documentary filmmaking at the 19th Iran International Documentary Film Festival, also known as “Cinema Verite.” This year, the festival has unveiled an impressive line-up for its “Portrait” section, showcasing a diverse array of international documentaries that explore the fascinating lives of influential figures.

According to reports from IRNA, twelve captivating foreign documentaries will be featured in this year’s “Portrait” section. Here’s a closer look at the films that will be screened:

Ennio – Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, this documentary celebrates the life and legacy of the renowned Italian composer Ennio Morricone, who passed away in 2020.
Shadows Behind the Frame – This film by Ivan Baturin tells the story of Lyudmila Kusakova, one of the first female production designers at Mosfilm, who creatively utilized items from landfills to design film sets, with support from her husband, Mikhail Kartashov.
Lost Memories in an Imaginary Hurricane – Víktor Luna explores the nostalgic journey of discovering old VHS tapes recorded by his grandfather.
Marlon Brando: Beyond VistaVision – V Trent’s film recovers and restores a lost 35mm trailer print from Marlon Brando’s directorial debut, showcasing an expanded aspect ratio unseen by the public since 1961.
Once Upon a Silver Screen – Directed by Martin George, this short documentary captures heartfelt memories of people’s first experiences watching films in theaters, sharing personal stories filled with wonder and excitement.
Cast of Shadows – Sami Joubert van Ingen uses materials from his family’s archive to present an insightful essay about the women surrounding his grandfather, filmmaker Robert J. Flaherty, and their vital contributions to his work.
Playing with Dolls – This film by Valeriy Rudolfovich Ryabin delves into the enchanting world of contemporary Russian puppet animation through the experiences of artist Marina Kurchevskaya and VGIK students.
Here, Dimitris Makris – Portrait of a Director – Paolo Stemmini and Francesco Tassara’s poetic documentary follows Dimitris Makris on his journey from studying film in Rome to becoming a notable figure in Greek cinema.
Three Deaths of Merian Cooper – This film chronicles the life of Merian Cooper, the American filmmaker famous for creating King Kong.
Vlasta, the Memory Is not Everlasting – Candela Vey and Tino Pereira tell the story of Valasta Lah, Argentina’s first female director of a feature sound film and her remarkable journey across war-torn landscapes.
What Mad Pursuit – Danny Dey drafts key scenes from all nine of the 9@Night films created by Rob Nilsson, revealing the creative intricacies experienced by Nilsson and over 400 participants over a twelve-year period.
Cahide Sonku, Türkiye’s First Female Producer and Director – Nurullah Güzel traces the extraordinary life of Cahide Sonku, a pioneering Turkish actress and director who founded her own production company in 1950.

The Iran International Documentary Film Festival “Cinema Vérité” is organized by the Documentary & Experimental Film Center (DEFC). This festival stands as a platform to express the intricate relationship between reality and truth as portrayed through documentary films.

Under the guidance of festival secretary Mohammad Hamidi Moghadam, the 19th edition of the festival will take place from December 10 to 17 in Tehran. Attendees can look forward to engaging with filmmakers, exploring profound narratives, and celebrating the art of documentary filmmaking.

Mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in a week filled with inspiring stories from around the globe, as the festival promises to be a highlight in the cultural calendar of Tehran.