Iranian Cinema Shines: Two Films Showcase Cultural Richness at Montenegro’s 4th Ethnological Film Festival

TEHRAN – The Iranian feature documentary “Isatis”, directed by Alireza Dehghan, had the honor of opening the 4th Ethnological Film Festival in Risan, Montenegro, on August 30. Accompanying this significant event is the short film “Shadow of the King” by Hadi Shariati, showcasing the rich cinematic talent from Iran.

Released in 2021, the 75-minute documentary “Isatis” was previously screened in selected cinemas under the Art and Experience Cinema Group in Iran, where it emerged as the best-selling documentary film in the country, according to Honaronline.

“Isatis” is celebrated as the first adobe city and the second historical city in the world. The documentary offers a captivating narration of ancient and historical rituals embedded within this remarkable city, highlighting its material and intangible heritage. The film paints a vivid picture of the peaceful coexistence of various religions through the elements: water, wind, earth, and fire.

• Water: The narrative unfolds through the voices of the people who constructed aqueducts in Isatis, a town nestled in the heart of the desert.
• Wind: It tells the stories of those who mastered the wind to thrive in a hot and dry environment, utilizing windcatchers.
• Soil: The tale of the soil is recounted by the architects of the world’s oldest adobe city.
• Fire: Zoroastrian masters share the significance of fire in their culture.

However, the film also addresses the pressing issues of industrial development and environmental pollution that threaten historical cities worldwide, including Isatis. It emphasizes that the essence of perfection and lasting peace can only be discovered through harmony with nature.

Alireza Dehghan, at 37, is not only the director but also the producer and screenwriter of “Isatis.” He holds a bachelor’s degree in drama and a master’s degree in cinema and art research. Dehghan commenced his cinematic journey in 2002 and has since produced 17 films and series, which include short fiction, documentaries, and television series. His works often delve into themes of environment, anthropology, and natural beauty, with “Isatis” serving as a culmination of these interests.

In addition to his filmmaking, Dehghan is a university lecturer and has served on selection and judging boards for various film festivals, including Roshd, Cinema Vérité, Youth Cinema, Industrial and Technology, and Silent Films. He is also a member of the Iranian Youth Cinema Society (IYCS).

Throughout his career, Dehghan has participated in over 180 national and international festivals, garnering an impressive 70 awards. His films have been featured in notable festivals such as the Fajr Film Festival, Cinema Verite, Calcutta Film Festival, Trenton Film Festival, and the Australian Science Film Festival.

On the other hand, “Shadow of the King” is a 10-minute experimental silent film produced in 2024. This poignant short depicts the Qajar prince Zel al-Sultan, who constructed a castle in the Qomeshlo hunting ground in Isfahan, driven by his passion for hunting. Unfortunately, his actions led to severe environmental damage, resulting in the extinction of the tiger and putting the leopard, Caspian red deer, mountain goat, and other species at risk.

The film has already received critical acclaim, earning the Best Documentary Diploma of Honor at the Tehran International Short Film Festival. Hadi Shariati, the talented director and screenwriter behind this project, is 45 years old and has a noteworthy track record in the industry.

Shariati has received several accolades, including the Best Screenplay Award from the International Film Festival for Children and Youth for his work “Inside the Waves.” He was also honored with the Jury’s Special Award at the 16th Iran International Documentary Film Festival (Cinéma Vérité) and the Best Feature Documentary award from the 14th Iran International FICTS Festival for his documentary “Sattar El Classico.” In addition, he received the Secretary’s Special Award at the 16th Cinéma Vérité Festival for his documentary “At Oughlan.” Shariati has also been recognized at the Queen Palm International Film Festival and the LAKECITY International Film Festival for his documentary “Sarah,” which tells the story of his visually impaired daughter.

As for the festival itself, the organizers have embraced a theme of “space” for this year’s 4th edition, which will come to a close on September 3. This theme aims to explore the multifaceted relationships between culture, environment, and human existence through the lens of ethnological films.

In conclusion, both “Isatis” and “Shadow of the King” showcase the depth of Iranian cinema and its ability to reflect on significant cultural and environmental issues. Through these films, audiences can appreciate the rich heritage and the pressing challenges faced by historical cities.