TEHRAN-Three Iranian films and a series will be shown at the 46th Moscow International Film Festival, due to be held from April 19 to 26 in Moscow, Russia.

One feature film, a documentary, and a short film from Iran will take part in different competition sections of the festival and an Iranian series will also be present in the “First Series” section, ISNA reported.

Eleven films from Iran Germany, Austria, Bangladesh, and some other countries will participate in the Main Competition of this year’s edition of the festival.

“Cold Sigh,” directed by Nahid Azizi Sedigh is Iran’s representative in the Main Competition section. The 72-minute drama is a production of 2023 and has Iman Sedigh and Ali Bagheri in the cast.

It is about Baha, a young man from a border town, who 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.

In the Documentary Film Competition section, eight films will be screened, among which “Facing the Rook” directed by Sam Kalantari is from Iran.

The documentary is an artistic effort to bring the mesmerizing paintings of the great veteran Iranian painter Ali Akbar Sadeghi into a dreamlike CG world.

The Short Film Competition section of the festival comprises 18 films from across the globe. “Taxidermist,” directed by Susan Salamat and Behzad Alavi will compete with other films at the event.

The short flick depicts Shahbaz, a taxidermist and animal smuggler, who takes a road trip to deliver a strange order to a client. A series of unexpected events turns Shahbaz from predator to prey.

The Serial program of the festival titled “First Series” will include six series from Iran Russia, Slovenia, Mexico, and Iceland.
The crime drama “The Lion Skin” directed by Jamshid Mahmoudi will represent Iran at the event. It centers on Naeem who has endured 15 years in prison for his daughter's love. He faces a major crisis after his release to see her.

Hadi Hejazifar, Pantea Bahram, Shahab Hosseini, Mehrdad Sedighian, Alireza Kamali, Pardis Ahmadieh, and Babak Karimi are in the cast among others.

The Moscow International Film Festival is the second oldest festival in the world after the Venice Film Festival. The first Moscow International Film Festival was held in 1935. Back then, it was called the Soviet Film Festival in Moscow. It became regular in 1959 when it was held every second year, alternating with the Karlovy Vary Festival until 1999 when it became an annual event. 

This year, over 230 films will be shown in the competition and out-of-competition programs of the festival, which is approximately 20% more than last year. It will feature over 30 international and world premieres.

SS/ SAB