Karun: Iran’s Longest River Documentary Triumphs at Armenian Film Festival

The Iranian short documentary titled “Karun – The Longest River of Iran”, crafted by the talented filmmaker Sahand Sarhaddi, has recently garnered recognition at the prestigious 11th Apricot Tree International Documentary Film Festival. This annual event, celebrated in Yerevan, Armenia, from August 30 to September 6, showcased an impressive array of 20 documentaries from 17 different countries, with four films taking home the top honors.

“Karun – The Longest River of Iran” is a poignant 19-minute film that delves into the tragic narrative surrounding the Iranian poet Hamid Hajizadeh and his nine-year-old son, Karun. The film intricately weaves together the painful story of their brutal murder in Kerman back in 1998, using survivor testimonies and evocative imagery to reconstruct this politically charged event in Iran’s history. The documentary highlights the emotional weight of that fateful day, drawing viewers in with meticulous shots of objects in Hamid’s study.

This documentary is a collaborative effort between Iran, Switzerland, and Finland, further emphasizing the global nature of film as a medium for storytelling. Other award-winning films featured at the festival included:

• “The Oasis I Deserve” – A short documentary from France.
• “New Beginnings” – A feature-length film from Belgium.
• “Wind Has No Tail” – A feature-length film from Russia.

Sahand Sarhaddi, the 34-year-old director, is not only a filmmaker but also a visual artist. He is an alumnus of the Berlinale Talent program in 2023 and holds a degree in theater and dramatic literature from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran. Sarhaddi initiated his career in 2006 as a photographer for various publications, eventually transitioning into filmmaking. His artistic vision is characterized by a desire to integrate untold historical narratives through photography, music, and literature.

Over the years, Sarhaddi has produced five short and feature films, which have been screened at numerous festivals across global cities such as Iran, Switzerland, France, the UK, the U.S., Germany, and Canada. In 2020, he became a member of the Iranian Documentary Filmmakers Association and is currently serving on its board. He also holds membership in the House of Cinema, further solidifying his position within the Iranian film industry.

Notably, Iranian filmmaker, researcher, and lecturer Hadi Afarideh served as one of the jurors for this year’s edition of the Apricot Tree International Documentary Film Festival. Joining him on the three-member jury were Jan-Tage Kühling, the German director of the Goethe-Institute in Yerevan, and Armenian/French director Serge Melik-Hovsepian. Afarideh, who began his artistic journey in theater in 1998 and transitioned to cinema in 2001 with the Iranian Youth Cinema Society (IYCS), has made significant contributions to the documentary filmmaking landscape.

His accolades include being named the best documentary filmmaker during the first specialized workshops of documentary filmmaking in Iran in 2006, organized by the Documentary and Experimental Film Center and the Iranian Documentary Filmmakers Association. With over 140 participations in Iranian and international festivals, Afarideh has received numerous awards for his work in directing, writing, and research across three short films and 19 documentaries.

Afarideh is not only an accomplished filmmaker but also an educator, teaching cinema directing and documentary filmmaking at the IYCS and the Iranian Contemporary Arts Academy. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers reflects his dedication to the art form.

The Apricot Tree International Documentary Film Festival has established itself as a significant event in the global documentary film community. Held annually in late August to early September, the festival provides a platform for filmmakers from around the globe to showcase their work and engage in meaningful discussions. Since 2023, the festival has taken place in the picturesque village of Debet, Armenia, and continues to celebrate a diverse array of documentary genres, including ethnographic, experimental, and animated films.

This festival not only serves as a celebration of documentary filmmaking but also fosters a collaborative environment where filmmakers can exchange ideas and inspiration. The recognition of “Karun – The Longest River of Iran” at this festival is a testament to the power of documentary films in addressing significant historical and social issues, ensuring that important stories are told and remembered.