Spotlight on Iranian Cinema: 5 Must-See Films Competing at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival
Exciting news for the Iranian film industry as five remarkable films from Iran are set to showcase at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF). This prestigious event will take place in Moscow, Russia, from April 17 to 24, 2025. The selected films highlight the rich storytelling and diverse cinematic talents emerging from Iran, making it a significant occasion for filmmakers and audiences alike.
The lineup includes:
- Feature Film: “For Rana” directed by Iman Yazdi
- Short Film: “After Father” by Noushin Meraji
- Documentary: “Trick” by Jafar Sadeghi
- Short Animated Films:
- “Glory” by Mahdi Barqzadegan
- “Holy Heaviness” directed by Farnoosh Abedi and Negah Fardiar
Each of these films brings a unique perspective to the festival, showcasing the depth of Iranian cinema:
- “Holy Heaviness” – This nine-minute short, produced in 2025, explores the profound grief associated with losing loved ones. It portrays the emotional struggles that linger long after death, likening them to wounds that consume the individual over time.
- “Glory” – A 12-minute animation from 2024, this film follows a man who rises from the remnants of a devastated civilization. His journey leads him to the cosmos’s beauty and inspires him to recreate civilization in the mountains while discovering the essence of art.
- “Trick” – This 103-minute documentary, also from 2024, focuses on the dreams of children in a disadvantaged region of Iran, which have transformed into achievable goals over the past decade due to the dedication of a wrestling coach.
- “For Rana” – An 87-minute drama from 2024, the film delves into a heart-wrenching narrative about a family that must confront moral dilemmas when they seek a heart transplant for their daughter, Rana. The story unfolds as they negotiate with the elderly man’s son, who is caught in a dispute over inheritance.
- “After Father” – This 19-minute film, released in 2024, centers on a young girl’s deep-seated grief following her father’s death. Her emotional turmoil leads her to blame those closest to her, highlighting the complexities of grief and familial relationships.
The Moscow International Film Festival stands as one of the most venerable film festivals globally, second only to the Venice Film Festival. Established in 1935, the festival has a rich history, initially chaired by the legendary filmmaker Sergey Eisenstein. After a sporadic beginning, the festival was revitalized in 1959, allowing it to become a regular fixture in the film calendar, alternating with the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. Since 1999, MIFF has been an annual celebration of cinema.
The festival’s prestigious top award is the statue of Saint George slaying the dragon, a symbol depicted on Moscow’s Coat of Arms. Since the year 2000, esteemed filmmaker Nikita Mikhalkov has presided over the festival, contributing to its stature and influence within the international film community.
With such a diverse array of films, the Iranian participation at the MIFF is sure to captivate audiences and critics alike. The festival not only serves as a platform for showcasing talent but also fosters cultural exchange and dialogue through the universal language of cinema.
As the festival approaches, the spotlight on these Iranian filmmakers is bound to elevate their work on an international stage, paving the way for future projects and collaborations. Film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are eagerly anticipating the stories these talented directors will share.
In conclusion, the inclusion of these five films in the 47th Moscow International Film Festival highlights the vibrant and evolving landscape of Iranian cinema. As they prepare to take the stage in Moscow, these filmmakers represent not only their individual stories but also the rich cultural heritage of Iran, which continues to inspire and resonate globally.
