TEHRAN-Iranian films “Melody” and “Maman” are scheduled to go on screen at the 24th edition of Keswick Film Festival, which will be held in the English city from February 29 to March 3. 

Directed by Behrouz Sebt Rasoul, “Melody” tells the story of a young musician girl, Melody, who is determined to compose a heartfelt piece for children battling cancer, using the recorded sounds of thirty different birds, despite the presence of hunters in the area. 

She returns to her home village in order to capture the beautiful sounds of the birds and receives assistance from the speechless caretaker of her family's house, Mango. 

After discovering a mere twenty birds, Mango reveals to her that the location of the remaining birds is known only to the wise village singer, who has been driven away from the village by the bird hunters. Melody embarks on a journey to locate both him and the missing birds.

Set in a stunning natural backdrop, the story unfolds amidst the enchanting beauty of the surroundings. 

A co-production between Iran and Tajikistan, the film stars Iranian actor Diman Zandi, Alireza Ostadi and Meghdad Eslami from Iran as well as Safar Haqdodov and Zulfiya Sadikova from Tajikistan.

“Maman” by Arash Anisi delves into the life of Maman, an elderly woman who has experienced significant losses - her name, job, and husband - during the ravages of war many years ago. Despite her current role as a cab driver and sharing a modest apartment with two of her three sons, Maman struggles to maintain her maternal authority. She carefully keeps her sons apart from each other, much like a protective shield, and guards a precious piece of land that is rightfully hers.

Just as Maman succeeds in removing the wife of her youngest son from their lives, a twist occurs when her other son decides to marry one of his colleagues. This unexpected development creates a fascinating dynamic, as the story unfolds simultaneously in two parallel worlds. One world embodies the gritty reality of Maman's existence, while the other materializes through the lens of a film script being written by the youngest son.

Dreamlab Films, the France-based international distributor under Iranian film expert Nasrin Mirshab, is handling the international sales and distribution of “Melody” and “Maman.”

Since its inception in 2000, the Keswick Film Festival has become a highly anticipated annual event in Keswick, Cumbria, England. This cinematic celebration is tirelessly organized by the Keswick Film Club in collaboration with Theatre by the Lake, and has earned the accolade of being referred to as 'Cumbria's principal general film fest' by Festival Focus.

The festival serves as a platform for diverse and compelling films from both local and international filmmakers. It showcases a range of genres including drama, comedy, documentary, and more, providing attendees with a diverse and enriching cinematic experience. From thought-provoking independent films to critically acclaimed blockbusters, the festival's program strives to cater to the diverse tastes and interests of its eager audience.

Photo: A scene from “Melody” by Iranian director Behrouz Sebt Rasoul

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