Iran's Extensive Presence in Montreal; Iranian 'Taboo' in Canada

The film 'Taboo' directed by Khosrow Masoomi will be showcased in the competition section of the Montreal International Film Festival in Canada. The film 'Mohammad' directed by Majid Majidi will also serve as the festival's opening film. This year, Iranian cinema will have a significant presence at the 39th Montreal International Film Festival, with various Iranian films being screened in different sections of the festival. The film 'Taboo', the latest work of Khosrow Masoomi, which was deemed unworthy of participation in the Iranian cinema competition section by the Fajr Film Festival selection committee, has been accepted into the Montreal competition section. This film, which has faced challenges in obtaining a screening permit in Iran, tells the story of a girl who is forced to marry a 67-year-old man while she is in love with a teacher. The film stars Elnaz Shakerdoost and Hadi Dibaaji. Another significant event at the Montreal festival is the screening of the film 'Mohammad' by Majid Majidi as the opening feature of this cinematic event. According to ISNA news agency, the 171-minute film 'Mohammad', with a budget of $50 million, is considered the most expensive film in the history of Iranian cinema, which Majidi spent five years making. Vittorio Storaro, a three-time Oscar-winning cinematographer, Roberto Perpignani as editor, Scott E. Anderson, an Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor, Gianto Drosi as makeup artist, and A. R. Rahman, an Oscar-winning composer, are among the international contributors to the film 'Mohammad'. This film, which narrates the life of the Prophet of Islam from childhood to adolescence, is set to be publicly screened in Iranian cinemas starting in September. Other Iranian films participating in various sections of the Montreal festival include 'Closer' directed by Mostafa Ahmadi in the first films section, and 'The Death of a Fish' by Rouhollah Hejazi, 'Confessions of My Dangerous Mind' directed by Hooman Sidi, 'The Tale of Love' by Ahmad Ramadanzadeh, and 'The Era of Love' directed by Alireza Raeisian in the festival's focus on world cinema section. The Montreal International Film Festival will take place from September 5 to 16 this year (August 27 to September 7) in Montreal, Canada, showcasing over 400 films from directors from 80 countries in various competitive and non-competitive sections, including the international competition, first films competition, focus on selected world cinema, new talents, world documentaries, Chinese cinema, classic cinema, student films, cinema in the shadow of stars, and our cinema. Majid Majidi has previously won the best film award at this festival for his films 'Children of Heaven', 'The Color of God', and 'Rain'. The Montreal festival is considered one of the oldest cinematic events in North America.