TEHRAN -- As the 42nd Fajr International Film Festival approaches, cinephiles eagerly await the cinematic gems set to grace the screen from February 1 to 11, 2024.
Among the much-anticipated contenders in the main competition section, ‘Sodaye-Simorgh’, six more films are introduced by iFilm, each promising a unique narrative.

‘Parviz Khan’ depicting Parviz Dehdari’s impact beyond the field
In a debut move at the current edition of the festival, filmmaker Ali Saqafi brings forth a biographical film centered on Iranian football player and coach Parviz Dehdari.
Distinct from typical sports narratives, the film delves deeper into the social dimensions of Dehdari’s influential career.
Notable actors such as Saeed Poursamimi, Maryam Saadat, Hamidreza Pegah, and Behnam Tashakkor are cast in this production.
Produced by the Owj Arts and Media Organization, the movie unfolds the narrative of prominent national team players who, under the guidance of Parviz Dehdari, make the decision to resign from the national team.
Poursamimi, known for his previous appearance in ‘Amphibious’ at the 38th Fajr Film Festival, takes on a significant role in bringing this story to the screen.

‘Summer of the Same Year’ marks return of Mahmoud Kalari as director
Renowned Iranian cinematographer Mahmoud Kalari returns to the director’s chair after 23 years with his third film, ‘Summer of the Same Year’, set to premiere at the 42nd Fajr Film Festival.
The movie’s cast list includes Mehran Modiri, Ali Shademan, Fariba Naderi, Samira Hasanpour, Roya Javidnia, Mahrou Nonahali, Saber Abar and Pejman Bazeghi.
Kalari’s last directorial venture, ‘Dance with a Dream’, adds anticipation to his latest offering.

Javad Ezzati’s directorial debut unveils ‘Bloody Crocodile’
Javad Ezzati, a familiar face at the Fajr Festival, steps into a new role as a director with his debut film, ‘Bloody Crocodile’.
Collaborating with actor Kamran Hejazi once again, Ezzati presents a narrative featuring a cast that includes Abbas Jamshidifar, Saeed Aghakhani, Elnaz Habibi, Behzad Khalaj, and Shabnam Qorbani.
The film explores the director’s unique perspective, showcasing his transition from acting to directing.

‘Beautiful Lies’: Atash Zamzam’s cross-cultural cinematic endeavor
In the 13th collaboration between Iran and Bangladesh, Morteza Atash Zamzam presents ‘Beautiful Lies’ as the follow-up to his recent work, ‘Holia’.
The film unfolds the challenging life of Fereshteh and her husband Amjad, featuring performances by Bangladeshi actors Jaya Ahsan, Suman Rikita, and Salem Shahid.

‘Missing Hand’: Ensieh Shahhusseini’s unique perspective on Sacred Defense
Ensieh Shahhusseini, the sole female director at this edition of the Fajr Film Festival, brings her fifth film, ‘Missing Hand’, to the audience.
Coproduced by Seyyed Saeed Seyyedzadeh and the Farabi Cinema Foundation, the film features a cast of lesser-known actors, including Masoumeh Bafandeh, Zahra Ahmadkhani, Azam Razavi, and others.
Exploring the untold stories of the Holy Defense, the film combines documentary elements with a female narrative of the historical event.

‘Good Father’: Asghar Naimi explores generational expectations
Having previously participated in the 41st Fajr Film Festival, Asghar Naimi is now unveiling his latest work, ‘Good Father’.
The film portrays the story of Maryam’s father, who, enamored with the idea of grandchildren, exerts pressure on Maryam and her husband.
Starring Sina Mehrad, Pardis Ahmadiyeh, Farhad Ayish, and others, the movie addresses familial expectations and generational dynamics.

‘Shahsavar’: Hussein Namazi returns to wedding drama
Namazi, known for ‘Shadarvan’, returns with his third directorial effort, ‘Shahsavar’.
Set within a wedding ceremony, the film features Elnaz Habibi, Mehrdad Sedikian, Hadi Kazemi, and others.
The storyline unfolds over three days and nights, capturing the essence of a joyous celebration.