TEHRAN- Behrouz Afkhami, the writer, director, and editor of the film " The Morning of The Execution" believes that the creation of this film was a necessity for Iranian society, particularly for the new generation.

Speaking at a press conference held after a screening of the film during the 42nd Fajr Film Festival at Tehran’s Milad Tower on Saturday, he explained that he drew inspiration from a newspaper report he read 25 years ago about the execution of Tayyeb Haj Rezai and Esmaeil Rezai, which deeply impacted him. 

He felt compelled to turn their story into a screenplay, but it wasn't until recent events in Iran that he found the motivation to do so.

Afkhami chose a documentary-style narrative for the film, stating that it suited the story well. 

He wanted to show the encounter of the two men with execution as a lesson for the youth of Iran. 

The decision to use unknown actors was intentional, to prevent viewers from associating them with other films and keep the focus on the story, he noted. 

"The Morning of The Execution" has a unique visual style, with the execution scene presented in black and white reminiscent of 1940s Iranian cinema, he said. 

He also emphasized that the film is stylistically reminiscent of old American films in terms of lighting and execution.

Starring Arastou Khoshrazm and Masoud Sharif, “The Morning of The Execution” delves into the final moments of Tayyeb Haj Rezai and Esmaeil Rezai, sentenced to death after the June 15, 1963 uprising.

Photo: Arastou Khoshrazm acts in a scene from “The Morning of The Execution” by Iranian director Behrouz Afkhami

SAB/