There will be five Iranian films screened during the 5-day event, which is co-organized by the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization and the Embassy of Iran. The opening film of this year’s Film Week is “So Close, So Far” directed by Reza Mirkarimi. It tells the story of Dr. Mahmoud Alam, a renowned Iranian brain and neurologist, and his beloved son. When Dr. Alam discovers that his son has a brain tumor, he embarks on a journey across the desert to see him. This trip offers the doctor valuable insights into life and faith.
 |
| The opening film of this year’s Film Week is “So Close, So Far” directed by Reza Mirkarimi. The film revolves around Dr. Mahmoud Alam, a famous Iranian brain and neurologist who has a son with a passion for astronomy. Photo: Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Hanoi |
The film won the Crystal Simorgh for Best Film at the 23rd Fajr International Film Festival in 2005 and was Iran’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars in the same year.
Another film in the same genre is “Crazy Rook,” which follows a group of friends who meet through social media and become entangled in a criminal case. Solving the case offers each member of the group a new perspective on life and society. The film won Crystal Simorghs for Best Film and Best Director at the 33rd Fajr International Film Festival.
The third film in the lineup is “Where Are My Shoes?,” a story about an elderly factory owner with Alzheimer’s. After being abandoned by his family, Habib’s life takes a dramatic turn when his daughter returns to Iran to reconnect with him.
The animated film “Loupetoo” tells the tale of Dr. Kamali, the owner of a sanitarium who uses toy-making as therapy for his patients. When the toy workshop is sabotaged, Dr. Kamali’s son, Ali, assists in restoring operations.
The final film, another animation titled “Mobarak,” revolves around an old storyteller who brings the characters from Shahnameh’s epic poem to life using dolls. When Essi Palang, the owner of a toy store, steals the dolls, they embark on a humorous adventure alongside Golpari, the storyteller’s daughter.
Despite limited funding and strict censorship laws, Iranian cinema has attained significant success. Though the number of films produced each year is relatively small, Iranian films, with their talented directors and actors, are recognized and lauded worldwide, earning numerous international awards.
Iranian films often portray seemingly simple stories that convey profound philosophical values.
The five films will be screened in their original language with Vietnamese and English subtitles.
Although admission is free, it is recommended to obtain tickets in advance at the Iranian Embassy (54 Tran Phu Street) or the National Cinema Center (87 Lang Ha Street).
