TEHRAN-Two short films from Iran will take part in the 32nd Raindance Film Festival that is to be held in central London from June 19 to 28.

“21 Weeks” (also known as “Twenty-One Weeks Later”) written and directed by Nasrin Mohammadpour and “A Long Walk” by Sonia Sanjari are the Iranian films attending the short program of the event, ILNA reported.

Trauma, body, and geography constitute intricate and intertwined concepts with which contemporary humanity grapples for a modicum of security. The short program includes five short films directed by women, exploring the geographies of Iran, Turkey, Palestine, and Lebanon. In these films, the audience will encounter vivid imagery and creative narratives spoken by the young women of these regions.

Running for 13 minutes, “21 Weeks” is about a young woman who decides to have an abortion. While her husband disagrees and threatens her, she has made her decision and illegally aborts her fetus after twenty-one weeks of pregnancy.

The cast includes Banafsheh Riazi, Leila Riazi, Parisa Asgari, and Soudabeh Bahramnejad.

In its world premiere last October, the movie won the Sonje Award, given to the best Korean and Asian short film, at the 28th Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.

The 15-minute short film “A Long Walk” shows Mona who feels and sees things after losing Saeed on their trip to see fireflies.

Masoumeh Beigi, Javid Qaem Maqami, and Milad Changi are in the cast.

Raindance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the UK. It is officially recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences USA, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and the British Independent Film Awards. Selected shorts will qualify for Oscar® and BAFTA considerations.

Each year, Raindance attracts 16,000 visitors including 500 industry professionals to London.

SS/SAB