Pegah Ahangarani Participates with 'My Father' in the Competitive Section of the International IDFA Festival

The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) has selected Pegah Ahangarani's film 'My Father' to participate in its competitive section. IDFA, one of the most important annual events in the world of documentary cinema, announced the names of works in its short documentary competition on Thursday, October 6. The documentary 'My Father', directed by Pegah Ahangarani, produced by Kaveh Farnam, and edited by Arash Ashtiani, is listed as one of the films in the competition section. The director's previous film, 'I Try Not to Forget', participated in over 40 prestigious international festivals and won numerous awards. Kaveh Farnam, the producer of 'My Father', told Voice of America: 'This documentary has a very similar format and presentation style to Pegah's previous film. We will get to know the character Shaghlam (as a sample and character) from another perspective and get closer to the narrator's (Pegah's) family.' He speaks about his collaboration with Pegah Ahangarani as a producer of the film, saying: 'This is not our first work together. My greatest motivation to be alongside Pegah is the deep empathy I have for the characters she chooses. More than empathy, Shaghlam was and is my best friend throughout my adolescence and youth.' Mr. Farnam adds: 'After the success of my documentary, I Try Not to Forget, Pegah's decision to continue this path and advance the narrative form, and provide a stronger and more complete representation of the generation that is my generation, compelled me to be alongside Pegah.' He further states: 'What could be sweeter and more enlightening for me than to hear a creative artist from my generation talk about the influences they have received from this generation? Undoubtedly, this is a great opportunity to see oneself in the mirror of history, and Pegah gives me this chance.' The IDFA website describes the documentary 'My Father' as follows: Pegah Ahangarani, an Iranian actress and director born in 1984, thought every soldier she saw on television during her childhood might be her father. In the early years of Pegah's life, her father was fighting on the front lines, and a picture of Khomeini was hanging in a prominent place in their home. But one day, the image of the Ayatollah disappeared without explanation and was replaced by another photo. In this personal work, Pegah discusses how the Iranian Revolution and its tumultuous period affected her and her family. Using archival footage, news excerpts, and family photos, she narrates her personal story, initially from the perspective of a girl living in a world of legendary heroes, then gradually shifting to the viewpoint of an adult who can interpret these complex events. Pegah Ahangarani poetically explains how the lives of generations of her family and friends have been influenced by the past 50 years of Iranian history. The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam will take place from November 8 to 28 in Amsterdam. Pegah Ahangarani is among the critical filmmakers who have supported women, youth, and the Iranian freedom movement without the mandatory hijab.