TEHRAN-Iranian movie “In the Land of Brothers” co-directed by Raha Amirfazli and Alireza Qasemi will go on screen at the 41st edition of the Sundance Film Festival.

The film will compete at the World Cinema Dramatic Competition section of the festival, which will be held in the U.S. city of Park City from January 18 to 28, 2024. 

"In the Land of Brothers" tells the story of the lives of three individuals belonging to an extended Afghan family. Displaced from their homeland, they seek refuge in Iran, naively unaware of the arduous journey awaiting them to find a true sense of belonging.

Iran shelters approximately five million Afghan refugees, their legal status often tenuous, rendering them vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances that could lead to forcible deportation, separation from their loved ones, or even worse fates. Set against the backdrop of 2001, these three interconnected tales poignantly depict the struggles endured by these resilient individuals, whose lives teem with hope and joy. Yet, their existence remains confined within the clutches of a perilous state, forever edging on the precipice of uncertainty.

The annual Sundance Film Festival serves as a remarkable platform that unites ingenious storytellers with adventurous audiences, presenting an array of captivating program offerings. These include compelling dramatic, documentary, and short films, mesmerizing New Frontier productions, live performances, thought-provoking exhibitions, immersive virtual reality experiences, episodic storytelling, engaging filmmaker conversations, vibrant panel discussions, and exhilarating music events.

Since its inception, the festival has catapulted numerous films into the limelight, garnering critical acclaim and capturing the attention of global viewers hungry for innovative perspectives and fresh voices. As a non-profit organization, the Sundance Institute actively fosters an environment that encourages independent artists to create and showcase their authentic and original works. Founded by the legendary Robert Redford in the serene landscapes of Sundance, Utah, in 1981, the Institute has evolved into an esteemed entity, providing invaluable support and resources to countless artists worldwide. Through initiatives such as the Sundance Film Festival and a range of artistic development programs dedicated to film, theatre, and new media, the Institute strives to amplify the impact of independent storytelling on a global scale.

Photo: A scene from Iranian movie “In the Land of Brothers” co-directed by Raha Amirfazli and Alireza Qasemi

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