TEHRAN – The Cinematheque of the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) will screen American film director and screenwriter Kelly Reichardt’s 2022 movie “Showing Up” on Monday.

The screening will be followed by a review session by Iranian critic Masoud Mashayekhi.

The film tells the story of Lizzy, a sculptor and arts administration assistant, who is working on a show of clay sculptures that depict women in motion. She is constantly at odds with her neighbor and rival artist, Jo, who promises to fix Lizzy's hot water heater but fails to prioritize the task. When Lizzy takes a day off work to finish her sculptures, her cat maims a pigeon, which Jo rescues and dumps on Lizzy. Despite initially resenting the bird, Lizzy ends up caring for it and takes it to the vet, developing a bond with it.

Lizzy is worried about her reclusive brother, Sean, who she hasn't seen in six months. When she visits him, he is disturbed and digging a large hole in his backyard, convinced that his neighbors are stealing his TV antenna. Lizzy convinces their mother to visit and put Sean to sleep after he suffers a mental episode. Despite arranging for him to attend her art show, Sean wanders off alone, making Lizzy nervous.

At the art show, Lizzy's family shows up, and Jo brings the pigeon, which is freed by Sean and flies away. Despite their unsuccessful search for the bird, Jo and Lizzy accept that it was ready to fly. 

“Showing Up” explores themes of family, mental health, and the struggles of pursuing a career in the arts, told through the journey of Lizzy as she navigates her personal and professional life.

Starring Michelle Williams, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or.

Photo: A scene from American film director Kelly Reichardt’s movie “Showing Up”

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