TEHRAN- A lineup of five Iranian films will go on screen at the 42nd edition of Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), which will be held at the Canadian city from September 26 to October 6. 

“Terrestrial Verses”, co-directed by Ali Asgari and Alireza Khatami, “Nietzschean Suicide” by Payam Kordestani and “Our Uniform” by Yeganeh Moghaddam are among the films competing at the festival. 

In “Terrestrial Verses,” people from all walks of life navigate the cultural and institutional constraints imposed on them by various social authorities, from school teachers to bureaucrats. 

“Nietzschean Suicide” tells the story of a pharmacy owner, who attempts to delay the suicide of the only midwife in town until after his pregnant wife gives birth.

In “Our Uniform,” an Iranian girl recalls school-age memories through the wrinkles and fabrics of her old uniform, quite literally. Rather than using paper, canvas, or a digital medium, Moghaddam painted directly on the cloth used for making school uniforms to tell the story of a character who dreams of a better future.

The festival will also screen “Razeh-del” by Maryam Tafakori and “Rizoo” by Azadeh Navai. 

“Razeh-del” tells the story of two schoolgirls in 1998, who sent a letter to Iran’s first-ever women’s newspaper. While they waited to be published, they considered making an impossible film. Using citations and image intervention, “Razeh-del” journeys through parallel histories of war on images of women. 

An Iran-U.S. joint film, “Rizoo” shows an eight-year-old girl named Rizoo who lives with her mother and grandmother in Tehran. A lively, polite, and smart girl, she has recently moved back from California. But when she must take a class portrait, her world suddenly becomes very complicated.

VIFF is dedicated to engaging and empowering communities by fostering dialogue, providing education, and supporting local artists. With decades of experience and innovative programming, VIFF has transformed into a highly regarded annual festival and a premier arthouse cinema. Its robust festival and year-round initiatives feature over 1,500 screenings and events annually, establishing VIFF as the most dynamic cinematic force in the region. 

In 2024, the festival will showcase around 130 feature films and 100 shorts, while also expanding its offerings to include talks, creative development opportunities, performances, and unique events that celebrate the richness of film and film culture. Through these efforts, VIFF continues to inspire and connect audiences, nurturing a vibrant community around the art of cinema.

Photo: A scene from “Nietzschean Suicide” by Payam Kordestani

SAB/