TEHRAN- Iranian director Morteza Atashzamzam highlighted that his recent movie "Beautiful Lies" shines light on the human connection that transcends borders and cultures, showcasing the shared experiences of people around the world.

The film is a heartfelt portrayal of the resilience of the human spirit, capturing the beauty and complexity of life in Bangladesh, IRNA quoted Atashzamzam as saying on Sunday. 

The movie, which is a co-production of Iran and Bangladesh, does not glorify poverty, but rather showcases the daily struggles and triumphs of the people of Bangladesh, he explained. 

"Beautiful Lies", which was premiered on the first day of the Fajr International Film Festival on Thursday, is about a rickshaw puller, Amjad, who tries to provide a better life with the help of his wife Fereshta.

Atashzamzam emphasized that Bangladesh is a developing country with a strong economic growth rate, dispelling the notion that the film focuses solely on poverty. He expressed his desire to create a globally resonant human discussion through the film, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the human aspect of the story.

"The first day I arrived in Bangladesh, I saw that the country is fascinating and colorful and I felt that this country is pristine and untouched and It has not yet been touched by government projects," he explained. 

The director also shed light on the unique cultural landscape of Bangladesh, noting that the country's cinema industry is heavily influenced by Bollywood and Hollywood. He believes that Iranian cinema, with its higher standard, has the potential to make a significant impact in the country.

Atashzamzam's main focus with "Beautiful Lies" is to promote unity among religions, particularly in a country where tensions between different faiths exist. He highlighted the importance of showcasing the beauty of relationships between Muslims and Buddhists, as well as the value of friendship across different religious backgrounds.

"Beautiful Lies" aims to capture the essence of human connection, showcasing the resilience and strength of individuals in the face of adversity, he mentioned. 

Starring Jaya Ahsan and Suman Faruk, “Beautiful Lies” is also known as “Fereshta” and “CNG.” 

The Bengali-language film has been produced in collaboration between the companies Imaje Cinema from Iran and Maximum from Bangladesh, and will be released in Bangladesh in Bangla and in Iran with Persian subtitles.

The 42nd edition of the Fajr Film Festival, Iran’s most important film event, is currently underway in Tehran. Winners of various categories in both national and international sections will be announced on the last day of the festival on February 11.

Photo: A scene from "Beautiful Lies" by Iranian director Morteza Atashzamzam

SAB/