TEHRAN- The Cinematheque of the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) will screen a restored version of Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman’s 1963 movie “Winter Light” on Monday. 

The screening will be followed by a review session by Iranian critic Shahram Ashraf Abyaneh.

“Winter Light” tells the story of the existential crisis of a Swedish Protestant minister named Tomas Ericsson. Set in a small, remote village during the cold winter months, the story revolves around Tomas, who is struggling with his faith and the meaning of life.

The film begins as Tomas delivers a sermon to a small congregation with dwindling attendance. He feels helpless and isolated, grappling with doubts about God's existence and questioning the relevance of his role as a spiritual leader. Tomas' struggles are heightened by the recent death of his wife and his failed romantic relationship with a schoolteacher named Marta.

One day, Tomas receives a visit from Jonas, a fisherman tormented by anxiety and despair, who seeks advice and solace from the minister. However, Tomas, preoccupied with his own doubts, fails to provide any meaningful guidance. Even Tomas' attempts to connect with Marta are futile, as she too finds no solace in his words and eventually leaves him.

As the film progresses, the townspeople deal with their own personal crises, depicting the pervasive sense of emptiness and despair within the community. Tomas can no longer find solace in prayer or in the Scriptures, and he begins to question the purpose of his faith and the existence of God in a world filled with suffering.

In the final scene, Tomas is completely broken, and the church is empty. He delivers a sermon to an unseen audience, expressing his doubt and loss of faith, revealing his inner turmoil. “Winter Light” ultimately explores themes of existential crisis, doubt, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in an increasingly secular and despairing world.

The film is the second installment in a series of thematically connected movies, with “Through a Glass Darkly” preceding it (1961) and “The Silence” following it (1963). This cohesive trilogy explores the complex relationship between God and humanity. In “Winter Light,” Bergman further examines the notion presented in “Through a Glass Darkly” that God is love, while also referencing the previous film's portrayal of God as a terrifying spider-like entity.

“Winter Light” received critical acclaim and several accolades upon its release. Although it did not achieve widespread commercial success, the film is highly regarded for its artistic and thematic qualities. 

SAB/