Iranian Cinema Shines at Poland’s Zoom-Zblizenia Festival: A Showcase of Cultural Brilliance

Six Iranian films are set to shine at the 28th International Film Festival Zoom-Zblizenia, scheduled to take place from March 3 to 9 in Jelenia Góra, Poland. This prestigious festival is a significant platform for independent cinema, showcasing the creativity and storytelling prowess of filmmakers from around the globe.

Among the films competing are:

• Haze Over directed by Seyyed Ali Ghasemi
• Blur by Sahra Asadollahi
• Inside the Skin, co-directed by Shafagh Abosaba and Maryam Mahdieh
• The Mold by Mohammadreza Nourmandipour
• Oscar by Ali Asghari
• Alone Together by Omid Mirzaei

“Haze Over” follows the story of Musa, who leads his cousin Vahid into a forest under the guise of wood smuggling. Their journey takes a dark turn when they accidentally collide with a doe, prompting them to confront deep-seated wounds from their past.

“Blur” centers around Marzieh, a woman who presents a borrowed child to her husband in his final moments. This act of love is designed to ease his troubled mind and to serve as a stand-in for their deceased child, as she hopes to relieve the guilt he carries from their shared tragedy.

“Inside the Skin” tells the tale of Ali, a teenage football player preparing for a crucial match while harboring a significant secret. When his friend Hamed uncovers the truth, Ali’s dreams and future become uncertain, leading him down a path filled with doubt and fear.

In addition to these films, the festival will showcase:

• The Mold – This film portrays Reza’s struggles as a father raising his son alone after the death of his wife.
• Oscar – A poignant exploration of family dynamics and the father’s role, emphasizing the importance of family as a nurturing refuge in Iranian culture.
• Alone Together – This film follows a young boy traveling alone on a bus one winter night, catching the attention of police and fellow passengers at a roadside checkpoint.

The International Film Festival Zoom-Zblizenia stands as one of Poland’s most significant independent cinema festivals. It is part of the Polish-Czech Close-Ups project, co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund and the state budget via the Euroregion Nysa.

This festival aims to highlight auteur cinema with high artistic value, showcasing moving independent stories and promoting the art of independent filmmaking. The festival’s character allows for a diverse range of forms and expressions, with no restrictions on themes or topics, encouraging filmmakers to explore new trends and ideas in independent cinema.

Overall, the participation of these six Iranian films at the festival not only showcases the rich storytelling traditions of Iran but also highlights the global appeal of its cinema. The festival serves as a vital platform for these films, enabling them to reach a wider audience and engage in meaningful conversations about culture and creativity.

As the festival approaches, excitement is building around these films and the messages they carry, reflecting the resilience and artistry of Iranian filmmakers. Stay tuned for updates as the festival unfolds and these captivating stories are shared with the world.

Photo: A scene from “Alone Together” by Omid Mirzaei