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The upcoming Venice Film Festival will premiere two Iranian dramas that examine the profound toll of ongoing conflict on everyday citizens. Both productions were created under extraordinary circumstances, with filmmakers navigating military threats and governmental restrictions to bring their stories to the international screen.
Director Ali Asgari returns to Venice with “A Bit of Light,” a competition entry starring Misagh Zareh as a Tehran physician whose life unravels after authorities arrest him and force the closure of his medical practice. Meanwhile, Mohsen Gharaei’s “Falling House,” part of the Horizons program, depicts a working-class family confronting the demolition of their home due to urban redevelopment. Producer Odessa Rae notes both films explore themes of entrapment within systems offering no escape, reflecting broader societal pressures facing Iranians.
The films were shot covertly in Iran before production shifted to Istanbul and Germany as military operations intensified. Producers employed creative strategies to obtain government filming permits while concealing their actual scripts. Following the February attacks, “A Bit of Light” completed principal photography abroad to expedite completion and maximize impact.
The filmmakers, now residing outside Iran, plan to attend Venice, though U.S. visa restrictions may prevent their participation in American promotional activities. Despite these obstacles, distributors remain committed to securing U.S. theatrical releases, with CAA Media Finance and Paradise City Sales representing international rights for the productions.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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