TEHRAN -- Iran has selected Babak Khajeh-Pasha’s “The Land of Angels” as its submission for the 99th Academy Awards, representing the country in the international feature film category.
The selection was announced by the Farabi Cinema Foundation, which coordinates Iran’s submission to the Oscars. 
Members of the selection committee included filmmaker and television personality Iraj Tahmasb, screenwriter Farhad Tohidi, cinematographer Mahmoud Kalari, producer Seyed Alireza Husseini and Muhammadreza Tashakkori.
Produced by Manouchehr Muhammadi, “The Land of Angels” is a production of Tasvir Shahr Institute and the Soureh Cinema Organization. The film premiered at Iran’s 44th Fajr Film Festival, where it won five Crystal Simorgh awards and received eight diplomas of honor, making it the festival’s most decorated film.
Set against the backdrop of the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the drama follows a woman whose love and resilience lead to what the filmmakers describe as a miracle. The film combines a poetic tone with a child-centered perspective and features actors from several Arab countries alongside Iranian performers.
Syrian actress Sulaf Fawakherji stars, with the cast also including child actors Ali Deeb, Fatemeh Almasoumeh Zareeq, Ahoura Lotfi, Muhammad Asad, Zahra Fazel, Fatemeh Marish and Alireza Alaav.
International distribution of “The Land of Angels” is being handled by the Soureh International Department.
The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place in 2027. Iran’s selection will enter the Academy’s international feature film submission process, with the eventual shortlist and nominees to be determined by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.