The film "Earthly Verses," co-directed by Ali Asgari and Alireza Khatami, has been accepted as the only Iranian feature film among 40 films introduced from Iranian cinema at this year's Cannes Festival. The world premiere of this work will begin on May 23 with the presence of its creators, including the directors and several actors, at the Dubussy Hall, and it will also be re-screened on May 24 and 25. Ali Asgari had previously entered the Cannes competition section in 2013 with the short film "More Than Two Hours" and later participated with the film "Silence." He has also been present with his feature films "Disappearance" at the Venice Festival and "Until Tomorrow" at the Berlin Festival, among several others. Alireza Khatami, who started his career with short films, won the screenplay award at the Venice Festival in the Horizons section with his first feature film "The Verses of Oblivion." Both directors had previously participated in the six-month residency program (Cinefondation residency) based in Paris. "Earthly Verses," which recalls a poem by Forough Farrokhzad, depicts the daily lives of people from various classes in today's Iran, who struggle with various imposed limitations due to current conditions. The film begins with a father's troubles in obtaining a birth certificate for his newborn child and follows a mother who must buy appropriate school clothes for her teenage daughter. "Earthly Verses" portrays eleven striking situations of different individuals in a tableau-like manner, showcasing today's society with a unique bitter humor inspired by societal realities, displaying the spirit and determination of the people amidst adversities in a complex society beset by various troubles. The actors in the film "Earthly Verses" include Majid Salehi, Goher Khairandish, Farzin Mohaddes, Sadaf Asgari, Hossein Soleimani, Faezah Rad, Bahram Ark, Sarvin Zabetian, Arghavan Shabani, and Ardeshir Kazemi. The 76th Cannes Film Festival will be held from May 16 to 27, 2023 (26 Ordibehesht to 6 Khordad 1402).
"Earthly Verses" Film Accepted into Cannes Festival as an "Unusual and Intriguing" Work
The film "Earthly Verses" has been accepted into the Cannes Film Festival as the only Iranian feature film this year. Directed by Ali Asgari and Alireza Khatami, it explores the daily struggles of various social classes in Iran. Its acceptance highlights the ongoing recognition of Iranian cinema on the international stage.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The film 'Earthly Verses' has been accepted into the Cannes Film Festival as the only Iranian feature film this year, showcasing the struggles of various social classes in Iran. It highlights the resilience of the Iranian people amidst societal challenges.
- The film will premiere on May 23, 2023, at the Cannes Film Festival.
- It portrays the daily lives of Iranians facing various societal limitations.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iranian cinema has a rich history of addressing social issues and has gained international acclaim despite political restrictions. Films often reflect the complexities of life in Iran.
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