Iranian Filmmaker Ebrahim Mokhtari Heads International Jury at Prestigious French Film Festival

In a significant development for the Iranian film industry, acclaimed filmmaker Ebrahim Mokhtari has been appointed as the president of the international jury for the 4th New Persian Images Festival. This prestigious event, dedicated to showcasing Iranian cinema, will take place from November 5 to 11 in Vitré, France. Among the films to be featured is Mokhtari’s own work, “Zinat,” which will be screened in the out-of-competition segment. The festival will also honor Mokhtari with the Golden Mithra award for his contributions to cinema, as reported by ISNA.

“Zinat,” directed by Mokhtari, is a poignant portrayal of a brave woman navigating the complexities of tradition and modernity within a transforming society. The film tells the story of Zinat, a young woman working at a health center in rural Iran, who faces opposition from her fiancé Hamed’s family regarding her career as she prepares for marriage.

In the film:

• Zinat’s aspirations to continue working after marriage are met with resistance from her fiancé’s family.
• Despite her efforts to persuade Hamed of the importance of her job, she ultimately agrees to leave her position.
• Upon marrying, Zinat immerses herself in family life, only to encounter growing tensions in her relationship with Hamed.
• When a sick child is brought to her for help, Zinat defies her husband’s wishes, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her profession.

Born in Babol, Mazandaran Province, Ebrahim Mokhtari, now 78, graduated in Filmmaking from Tehran’s College of Film & Television. He began his career at Iranian television, working as an assistant director on various series before establishing himself as a prominent documentary filmmaker.

Mokhtari’s debut feature film, “Zinat,” premiered at the Critics Week Section of Cannes ’94. He has been recognized for his work, receiving tributes and awards, including a Special Prize at the Rural Art & Literature Festival of Tehran in 1999. His notable films also include “Mokarrameh, Memories and Dreams” (1999) and “Leaf of Life” (2017).

This year’s New Persian Images Festival will showcase a total of 10 films by Iranian filmmakers, highlighting the diversity and richness of contemporary Iranian cinema. Among the competition films vying for the International Jury Prize or the Audience Award are:

• Asteroid – Directed by Mehdi Hoseinivand Aalipour, this film follows Ebrahim, a 12-year-old boy living with his mother and siblings in a remote desert hut, as they struggle to build a better life.
• I’m Scared – Behnam Behzadi’s film portrays Bahman, a poet grappling with personal and societal challenges in the bustling city of Tehran.
• The Locust – This film tells the story of Hanieh, a woman facing eviction and attempting to realize her dream of making a film based on her life experiences.
• That Wind that Shakes the Sugar Canes – Directed by Ebrahim Ashrafpour, it follows young Younes as he seeks justice for his father accused of arson.

In addition to the feature films, the festival will include a selection of short films. The Arts and Cultural Education Prize will be awarded by high school and university students to the winning short film, which features:

• Out of Tune – Directed by Vahid Mazrae, this film explores the life of a street performer challenged by an unexpected request.
• Vermin – Tina Dehghan’s film follows a young weaver as she confronts her fears and develops an obsession with a charming musician.
• When, Where, Who, Why – This film focuses on a young artist’s struggle to gain permission from her father to travel to Europe for a painting exhibition.

The documentary section of the festival will also showcase three compelling works by Iranian filmmakers, including:

• Spring – Nahid Rezaee documents the creation of a children’s library in a remote Baluchestan village, inspiring local youth to write and create films.
• Eastwood – Alireza Rasoulinejad’s film follows an amateur filmmaker on a quest to find someone resembling Clint Eastwood.
• Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk – Directed by Sepideh Farsi, this documentary addresses the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians through the lens of a brave filmmaker.

Since its inception in 2019, the New Persian Images Festival has aimed to share Iranian culture through the mediums of film, literature, and music. The festival serves as a platform for Iranian filmmakers to present their works to a broader audience, fostering a deeper understanding of Iran’s rich cinematic landscape.

In conclusion, Ebrahim Mokhtari’s appointment as the president of the jury and the screening of his film “Zinat” at the New Persian Images Festival highlight the importance of Iranian cinema on the international stage. With a diverse lineup of films, the festival promises to engage audiences and celebrate the creativity and resilience of Iranian filmmakers.