Intoxicated by Love: A Romantic Journey Hits 335 Cinemas Across Europe!
Exciting news for film enthusiasts! The Iran-Turkey joint production “Intoxicated by Love”, directed by Hassan Fat’hi, is making waves as it kicks off its international screenings. This captivating film has recently signed a distribution agreement for North America, amplifying its global reach.
The worldwide release of “Intoxicated by Love” commenced on October 16, showcasing the film across eight European countries. The initial response has been overwhelmingly positive, with all tickets for the first three days of screenings completely sold out, as reported by IRNA.
The film’s European distribution is managed by AF Media Group. Following its successful launch in Europe, “Intoxicated by Love” is also set to premiere soon in several other regions, including Russia, India, and Persian Gulf countries, before its North American debut.
Currently, the film is being screened in a total of 335 cinemas located in various cities across Turkey, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Norway, and Austria. This wide distribution highlights the film’s international appeal.
“Intoxicated by Love” tells the poignant story of the renowned Iranian poet Molana (Mevlana) Jalal ad-Din Rumi and his deep friendship with the wandering sage Shams Tabrizi, who became Rumi’s mentor during the 13th century CE. The film beautifully chronicles the transformative love Rumi held for Shams and the profound impact Shams had on Rumi’s life, poetry, and spiritual journey.
Rumi’s journey to Syria led him to meet Shams, and their second encounter in Konya profoundly influenced his life. The two shared a bond that resulted in Rumi neglecting his disciples and family, who struggled to understand their intense relationship. Tragically, in 1247, Shams vanished without a trace, an event that spurred Rumi’s evolution into a poet. His collection, the Divan of Shams, serves as a heartfelt translation of his experiences into poetry.
Originally released in Iran last year, “Intoxicated by Love” attracted over two million viewers and grossed approximately 1.2 trillion rials (around $1 million), making it the highest-grossing non-comedy film of the year. The film’s writers, Ehsan Javanmard and Farhad Tohidi, have crafted a narrative that resonates deeply with audiences.
The film features a talented cast that includes:
- Shahab Hosseini
- Parsa Pirouzfar
- Ibrahim Çelikkol
- Bensu Soral
- Boran Kuzum
- Selma Ergeç
- Burak Tozkoparan
- Halit Ergenç
- Hande Erçel
Filmmakers are optimistic that the film’s release in Turkey, bolstered by the countries’ cultural ties regarding Rumi and their shared admiration for this mystical poet, will replicate its success at the domestic box office.
Additionally, the producers have confirmed that distribution contracts have been signed for Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, and Jordan, along with East Asian nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and India, as well as for Russia, the U.S., Canada, and South America.
The filming locations for “Intoxicated by Love” included Istanbul, Konya, Izmit, and Gebze, with special sets constructed to replicate the historical ambiance of the times. The late Morteza Poursamadi, a celebrated Iranian cinematographer, skillfully captured the film’s stunning visuals.
The soundtrack of the film features Alireza Ghorbani performing a mystical poem by Rumi, complemented by an original score composed by the esteemed Turkish musician Fahir Atakoğlu. This musical collaboration adds another layer of depth to the film’s emotional narrative.
In Turkey, the distribution of “Intoxicated by Love” is managed by Content Turkey, ensuring that audiences can enjoy this beautiful story of love and spirituality.
As the film continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it is poised to become a significant cultural artifact that bridges the gap between Iranian and Turkish cinema, celebrating the timeless legacy of Rumi and Shams.
