TEHRAN- “In the Arms of the Tree” by Iranian director Babak Khajepasha will be screened at the Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema in Vancouver, Canada on September 20. 

The film follows the struggles of an entrepreneurial family on the verge of collapse. At the heart of the story is Kimia, a northern mother grappling with the trauma of past abuse and a debilitating fear of distance. Her husband, Farid, an Azeri father with a passion for travel and medicinal plants, adds to the tension as the couple prepares for a separation exercise. 

As Kimia and Farid's relationship deteriorates, their two sons, 11-year-old Taha and his five-year-old brother Alisan, become unlikely heroes in this emotional turmoil. Taha, deeply caring and protective, is determined to shield Alisan from the fallout of their parents' crises. The boys' strong bond and friendship serve as a beacon of hope amid the tumult, highlighting the innocence of childhood and the power of familial love in the face of adversity. 

The film captures the impact of marital discord on children, illustrating how their lives can be disturbed by their parents' struggles. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of love, connection, and the delicate balance needed to preserve a family in crisis.

Photo: A scene from “In the Arms of the Tree” by Iranian director Babak Khajepasha 

SAB/