TEHRAN-The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) has picked up two films and an animated movie from Iran for its upcoming 39th edition due to be held in February.

“Achilles” directed by Farhad Delaram, “Cold Sigh” by Nahid Azizi Sedigh, and “In the Shadow of the Cypress” by Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani are the Iranian works that will take part in the event, ILNA reported on Monday.

Having its U.S. premiere, the 2023 drama “Achilles” tells the story of a young filmmaker who currently works in a hospital and takes a mental patient out for a short ride to find out who she really is. Now he has to decide whether to run away with her or take her back to the hospital.

A joint production of Iran, France, and Germany, Delaram’s feature debut has been shot on various locations; it takes the audience from the capital Tehran to the dried-up Lake Urmia in the northwest of the country, to the Caspian Sea in the north, and to Maku, near Turkey’s border. 

Mirsaeed Molavian, Behdokht Valian, Roya Afshar, and Neda Aghighi play in “Achilles” that had its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.

In “Cold Sigh,” Baha, a young man from a border town, learns that his father, Bahram, has been released from prison after 20 years. Bahram killed his wife -- Baha's mother -- having accused her of cheating on him. Baha, who has never coped with this and is still full of anger and resentment decides to revenge to end his suffering.

The 72-minute drama, which will have its U.S. premiere at the festival, is a production of 2023 and has Iman Sedigh and Ali Bagheri in the cast.

“In the Shadow of the Cypress” is a 20-minute animation from Iran, which will also have its U.S. premiere at the festival.

It is about a former captain, suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder, who lives with his daughter in a house located by the sea, where they live an isolated and harsh life. Despite the captain’s deep desire to be a devoted father, he finds himself unable to connect with his daughter in the way that he longs to. One morning, their lives change forever when an unforeseen event occurs. Whether it proves to be a newfound source of hope or an additional burden remains to be seen.

SBIFF is proud to present a diverse slate of more than 200 films to over 100,000 film enthusiasts, including attendees, and a large student population.

The festival has devoted sections for documentaries that address social justice issues, nature and oceanography, food, and the performing arts. Additional sidebars highlight contemporary world cinema from Nordic countries, Eastern Europe, Asia and Spain/Latin America.

In addition to showcasing a diverse spectrum of films, tributes and galas, SBIFF also offers seminars with industry professionals including directors, writers, and producers in the business panels, as well as Q&A sessions with a diverse selection of filmmakers.

The 39th edition of the festival will take place from February 7 to February 17 in Santa Barbara, California, the U.S.

SS/SAB