Spotlight on Cinema: Five Iranian Films Shine at the 38th International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
Iran is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming 38th International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), which will take place from November 13 to 23, 2025, in the Netherlands. This year, five remarkable Iranian films will be featured, showcasing the rich storytelling and cultural narratives of the country.
The Iranian films participating in this prestigious festival include:
- Cutting Through Rocks directed by Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki
- A Fox Under a Pink Moon by Mehrdad Oskouei
- 32 Meters by Morteza Atabaki
- All My Sisters by Massoud Bakhshi
- Fellow Citizen by Abbas Kiarostami
Cutting Through Rocks is a collaborative production involving Iran, Germany, Chile, the Netherlands, the U.S., and Canada. This 94-minute documentary will have its Dutch premiere in the Best of Fests section. The film tells the inspiring story of Sara Shaverdi, the first woman ever elected to her village council in rural Iran. She vows to:
- Curb child marriage
- Guarantee education for girls
- Secure the long-awaited gas connection for her village
Despite facing resistance from her community, Sara continues her advocacy behind closed doors and secretly teaches girls how to ride motorbikes. Her courage and determination, even in the face of patriarchal pressure, have resonated deeply with audiences, earning the documentary the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.
A Fox Under a Pink Moon, a joint production of Iran, France, the UK, the U.S., and Denmark, is another highlight. This 76-minute documentary will have its world premiere in the International Competition section. It features Soraya, a talented 16-year-old Afghan artist, who has been trying to leave Iran to reunite with her mother in Austria. The documentary presents Soraya’s journey through her own lens, as she captures her artistic process and the challenges of her life over five years using her phone. The film intricately weaves her stunning drawings and surreal animations with moments of her life, showcasing her creativity as a means of processing her experiences.
Another noteworthy entry is 32 Meters, an 84-minute documentary produced in collaboration between Iran and Turkey, which will premiere in the Luminous section. This film follows Halime, a woman who challenges the traditional roles of women in her patriarchal Turkish village. Determined to organize a shooting competition for women, Halime faces backlash from the men in her community. The documentary captures the warmth and humor of the women’s journey as they navigate societal norms and push for change, ultimately portraying a hopeful narrative of empowerment and resilience.
All My Sisters is produced through a collaboration of Iran, Austria, France, and Germany. This 78-minute documentary will also premiere in the International Competition section. It depicts the childhood of sisters Mahya and Zahra in Tehran, exploring how societal restrictions gradually seep into their carefree lives. Filmmaker Massoud Bakhshi captures their journey from childhood to adulthood, highlighting the impact of family and tradition on their development.
Lastly, Fellow Citizen, a 51-minute film by the late acclaimed filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, will be screened in the Dead Angle: Institutions section. This film presents a unique perspective on authority and human interaction, capturing a traffic cop’s interactions with drivers at a busy Tehran intersection. Kiarostami’s masterful direction reveals the complexities of human nature and societal rules through simple yet profound exchanges.
In addition to these remarkable screenings, the festival will honor Iranian-Dutch filmmaker and immersive media artist Ali Eslami, who will receive the inaugural Wendy Gutman Award. This prestigious award, valued at €40,000, recognizes Eslami’s innovative contributions to VR and immersive art. The award will be presented ahead of the IDFA on October 17. Eslami’s work has been described as “idiosyncratic, exciting, and autonomous,” pushing the boundaries of documentary and immersive storytelling.
Ali Eslami, born in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Province, has established himself as a leading figure in immersive art. His projects, which blend VR, interactive simulations, and physical installations, create poetic experiences that blur the lines between reality and the virtual world. Eslami’s artistic endeavors often explore themes of memory, perception, and emotion, shaped through the lens of non-Western philosophical frameworks.
His virtual work, False Mirror, exemplifies his unique approach, constructing an immersive universe where time and space become tangible. By drawing inspiration from gaming and architecture, Eslami’s practice fosters new meanings and experiences, demonstrating the potential of game technologies as a deeply personal artistic language.
The IDFA serves as a vital platform for filmmakers, artists, and audiences from around the globe, fostering collaboration, inspiration, and exchange. With a diverse lineup of films and innovative projects, the festival continues to be a beacon for documentary art and immersive experiences.
For more details on the films and events at the IDFA, stay tuned as the festival approaches.
