Iranian Film ‘Inside Amir’ Triumphs at Venice Days: Wins Top Honor!

The Iranian feature film “Inside Amir”, directed by Amir Azizi, has made waves at the prestigious Venice Film Festival by winning the Director’s Award at the 2025 edition of Venice Days, also known as Giornate degli Autori. This accolade is the highest honor in the independent parallel section of the festival and comes with a cash prize of €20,000 (approximately $23,000), which will be shared between the filmmaker and the film’s international distributor, as reported by ISNA.

The jury praised Inside Amir as “a meditation on everyday life,” emphasizing its exploration of “how daily routines, movements, and conversations with friends provide both security and freedom.” The film unfolds a narrative that reflects a complex life intertwined with themes of loss and grief, set against a backdrop of exile and social upheaval. It poses fundamental questions about belonging and the existential uncertainties that arise from such reflections.

In their statement, the jury elaborated, “It is a film that takes time to listen, showing how unexpected, spontaneous encounters enrich life. The film’s precise dialogue and staging provide a strong sense of presence, inviting the viewer to engage in both intimate and profound conversations, as well as trivial exchanges.” They also highlighted the film’s creative use of varying time periods within the same frame, which enhances the storytelling experience, particularly during moments like bike rides.

The Venice Days jury was led by Norwegian writer and director Dag Johan Haugerud, alongside notable members such as Italian producer Francesca Andreoli, French-Palestinian filmmaker Lina Soualem, New York’s MoMA film curator Josh Siegel, and Tunisian cinematographer Sofian El Fani.

The film’s synopsis reveals a glimpse into the protagonist’s internal struggle: “Amid scattered memories, unfinished conversations, and slow-moving days, he faces a decision he hasn’t fully made yet: to leave or to stay. The only thing he refuses to part with is his bicycle – a companion through the city’s streets and a symbol of his past.”

Azizi elaborated on the thematic depth of the film, stating, “The film swings between past and present – friendships, late-night anxiety, and a city Amir is still tied to. It is a quiet meditation on the emotional distance between staying and leaving – not about what’s right or wrong, but what remains unresolved.”

He emphasized that his film is steeped in personal experience while also aiming to communicate through a universal cinematic language. “It portrays a young man drifting through a city filled with memories, loneliness, and silent transformations. I’m drawn to the poetry of ordinary life – to the subtle rhythms of streets, bodies in motion, and moments that may seem quiet but are emotionally charged,” he added.

Rather than concentrating on traditional plot points or overt dialogue, Azizi designed this film to delve into presence, space, and human vulnerability. “I wanted to observe reality without any judgments or spectacle – just a patient gaze that trusts the audience’s sensitivity,” he stated. He expressed a desire to avoid clichés or dramatic distractions, aiming instead for a deeper emotional clarity.

Azizi further clarified that Inside Amir is not merely a commentary on migration, identity, or politics; it is a human story about someone striving to stay afloat in life. “I believe that if a film is honest, even in stillness, it can deeply connect with audiences,” he concluded.

Amir Azizi, now 41, embarked on his cinematic journey in 2003. He began his career as a director’s assistant, collaborating with prominent Iranian filmmakers such as Kianoush Ayari and Rakhshan Banietemad. Over the years, he has directed several short films, including The Idiot (2007), Two Cold Meals for One Person (2009), and Family Portrait (2009), all of which have been showcased at various national and international film festivals.

His documentaries, including Wolf (2012), Nature and Cities of Iran (2013), and Home (2022), focus on local and environmental issues and have garnered critical acclaim. Azizi’s first feature film, Temporary (2014), was presented at the Beijing International Film Festival and the Med Film Festival in Rome, winning a Special Jury Prize. His second feature, Two Dogs (2020), competed at the Warsaw Film Festival and received awards at Bangalore and other festivals.

In summary, “Inside Amir” is a poignant exploration of the human experience, capturing the complexities of life and the emotional challenges faced by individuals on the brink of significant change. Its recognition at the Venice Film Festival underscores its artistic merit and the universal themes it addresses.