TEHRAN- Six movies from Iran are competing in different sections of Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF), which is currently underway in the Emirati city. 

“In the Arms of a Tree” by Babak Khajepasha and “7600” by Behrouz Baqeri are competing at the main section of the festival. 

“In the Arms of a Tree”, which is Iran’s submission for Best International Feature at the 2025 Oscars, 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. 

"7600" is a drama that follows a young boy in a rural, impoverished setting who dreams of flying in a helicopter. The film delves into his aspirations and the obstacles he encounters on his quest to realize this dream, despite the limitations imposed by his surroundings. Through his journey, the narrative highlights themes of hope, determination, and the transformative power of dreams, providing an emotional and inspiring portrayal of a child's ambition to transcend his circumstances.

The festival is also screening “Resemblance” by Mehdi Marvdashti, “Hooves Beat” by Fargol Masrurirad and Seyyed Hossein Zeitunnejad, and “Bonus” by Reza Nejati in the short film section. 

"Resemblance" tells the story of a father who becomes increasingly suspicious of his wife when he sees that their youngest son has blond hair and bright eyes, which sharply contrast with his own features. In an effort to mend the family dynamic and calm their father's growing fears, the older brother decides to change the younger brother’s appearance to mirror his own. His ultimate goal is to reunite the family and alleviate their father's worries.

"Hooves Beat" tells the story of Tino, a 12-year-old boy living in a border village between Iran and Iraq with his parents. When a heart-wrenching event unfolds in the mountains, Tino is left shattered. Soon after, he discovers that his beloved four-legged friend—the sole means of transportation and livelihood for his father—is in grave danger. Faced with a troubling dilemma, Tino must make a crucial decision before it's too late.

“Bonus” centers around a pivotal moment during exams when one of the teacher's students receives a failing grade, leading to increased tension between them. Despite the student's pleas, the teacher remains steadfast in his principles and commitment to fairness, refusing to alter the grade.

Moreover, in the animation section of the event, “In The Shadow Of The Cypress” co-directed by Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani is on screen. 

The award-winning animation depicts a former captain suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder who lives with his daughter in a humble house located by the sea. Together, they live isolated from the world and must confront the challenges of their situation. One morning, their lives change forever when an unforeseen event occurs.

The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF) was launched in 2013 as the first film festival of its kind in the country and the region. A project of FUNN, an organization established by the Sharjah government, the festival aims to enhance media literacy among children and youth, nurture their creativity, and showcase exceptional films made for, by, and about young people.

The film festival will come to an end on October 12. 

Photo: A scene from “In The Shadow Of The Cypress” co-directed by Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani

SAB/