TEHRAN- Iranian director Oktay Baraheni’s “The Old Bachelor” will compete at the 20th edition of Lucca Film Festival, which will be held in the Italian city from September 27 to October 5. 

The film explores the tumultuous relationship between two middle-aged brothers and their tyrannical father, who has a history of verbal and emotional abuse. The father's second wife left him due to his chauvinistic behavior, and now he directs his venom towards his eldest son. The younger brother, meanwhile, harbors dark fantasies about ending his father's life. 

When the father rents out the flat above to a young woman, who has her sights set on marrying him, the situation becomes increasingly volatile. As the woman's affections for the older brother grow, the family's fragile dynamics are pushed to the brink, threatening to shatter their already damaged relationships.

Starring Hamed Behdad, Leila Hatami, Hassan Pourshirazi, Mohamadreza Davoudnejad, Reza Ruygari, and Babak Hamidian, “The Old Bachelor” is Baraheni’s second feature film. 

His debut feature film “Bridge of Sleep” (2016) was screened at several international film festivals in Australia and Switzerland among others.

A film director, writer, and producer, Baraheni, 49, is a graduate of the fine arts from York University in Toronto, Canada. His successful career includes several short films and a documentary about the well-known Iranian poet and writer Reza Baraheni (his father).

The Lucca Film Festival is an annual celebration of cinematographic culture, featuring screenings, exhibitions, conferences, and performances that attract a growing audience. Renowned for its bold programming, the festival showcases a diverse range of films, from experimental to mainstream. 

Over the years, it has welcomed international filmmakers and celebrities, including David Lynch, Oliver Stone, and Susan Sarandon. The festival also highlights retrospective works while discovering new talent. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Lucca, the festival has become a highly anticipated event in Italy and Europe. 

Photo: A scene from Iranian director Oktay Baraheni’s “The Old Bachelor”

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