TEHRAN- “Intoxicated by Love”, the Iran-Turkey joint film directed by Iranian director Hassan Fathi, will be released in movie theaters nationwide on April 17.

The biographical historical drama, which was shot in Konya, Turkey, tells the story of the great Iranian poet Molana Jalal ad-Din Rumi, his friendship with the wandering sage Shams Tabrizi who later became the mentor of Rumi in the 13th century CE, ISNA reported on Sunday.

The movie chronicles the love Rumi had for Shams and the great influence of Shams over Rumi in his life, his poetry, and his love for God.

Rumi undertook journeys to Syria, during one of which he met the dervish, Shams. He was deeply influenced by Shams during their second visit to Konya and for months, the two men constantly interacted, and as a result, Rumi neglected his disciples and family, who could not tolerate the close relationship. 

One night in 1247, Shams disappeared forever. This experience turned Rumi into a poet. The Divan of Shams is a true translation of his experiences into poetry.

Celebrated Iranian actors Parsa Piruzfar and Shahab Hosseini star as Rumi and Shams respectively while Turkish TV star Hande Erçel plays the role of Kimia, Rumi’s stepdaughter and Shams’ lover.

Turkish actors Ibrahim Çelikkol, Selma Ergeç, Boran Kuzum, Burak Tozkoparan, Bensu Soral, and Iranian actor Hesam Manzur are the other cast members.

“Intoxicated by Love” was written by Fathi himself and his fellow Iranian writer Farhad Tohidi in consultation with Mohammad-Ali Movahhed, a top Iranian expert on Rumi.

Fathi, 64, is one of the most well-known and successful Iranian directors, best known for his popular historical TV series including “Heroes Never Die,” “Lighter Than Darkness,” “Zero Degree Turn,” “Tenth Night,” “Shahrzad,” and “Jeyran”.

SS/SAB