The film 'Land of Angels' by Iranian director Babak Hajepashi is preparing for screening at the XXII 'Altyn Minbar' International Film Festival in Kazan. This showing marks the beginning of international screenings of the film.
Hajepashi wrote and directed the film, while Manouchehr Mohammadi served as producer. According to the publication Mehr on Tuesday, the festival will take place from September 4 to 8 in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia.
The international screenings of 'Land of Angels' will coincide with the presentation of two international posters designed by renowned Iranian graphic designer Mohammad Roholamin in English and Arabic.
The film, jointly produced by the Tasvir-e Shahr Institute and the Surekh Film Center, depicts the human consequences of war and crisis in Gaza. The story focuses on a woman who tries to survive while protecting a group of innocent children from the horrors of war.
The movie features Arab actors and focuses on the lives, dreams, and difficulties of children during the war in Palestine, offering a humanitarian perspective on a crisis that extends beyond the region.
Previously, 'Land of Angels' won the most awards at the 44th 'Fajr' Film Festival in February, receiving five 'Simorgh Crystal' awards and eight honorary diplomas. Hajepashi received the special jury prize for best director, and Syrian actress Sulaf Fahavardji was honored with a special jury award for her performance.
Payam Hossein Souri received the award for best set design, and Mohammad Hassan Izadi was awarded a 'Simorgh Crystal' for best visual effects.
This year, Kazan has been designated the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World, and the XXII 'Altyn Minbar' International Film Festival is one of the key events of this program.
The 'Altyn Minbar' Festival has been held since 2005 and is one of Russia's recognized cinematic events. It is dedicated to films addressing human, cultural, social, and spiritual themes, bringing together works from different countries.
Taking place from September 4 to 8, the festival will once again gather filmmakers from the Islamic world and other regions, fostering cultural dialogue and international cooperation through initiatives such as the 'Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum'.
The festival received a record 1030 applications from 66 countries, with 146 films selected for the competitive and non-competitive programs. The program includes works from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
In addition to screenings, the festival will host a series of business and educational events, including an international pitching session, film education programs, and a film laboratory in Bulgaria.
The 'Altyn Minbar' Festival has established itself as a platform for world premieres and a venue for cultural exchange. Its latest edition underscores Kazan's status as one of Russia's leading centers for interaction with the Islamic world.