(Cause of Death Unknown / علت مرگ، نامعلوم)
Iran, 2023, Drama, 104min.
Writer & Director: Ali Zarnegar
Cast: Banipal Shoomoon, Alireza Sani Far, Neda Jebreili
Synopsis:
A van with seven passengers journeys through the barren Lut Desert when a grim situation unfolds: one of their fellow travelers has died. With no access to a medical professional to issue an official death certificate, emergency services refuse to send an ambulance. As darkness falls, the chance of locating a doctor becomes increasingly remote. Left with few options, the group debates driving to the nearest police patrol for assistance. But before they can act, they search the deceased’s belongings for identification or contact details, uncovering a startling discovery that intensifies their crisis.
Director’s Bio:
Iranian poet, writer, and director Ali Zarnegar was born in Tehran in 1983. He earned a Master’s in Theatre as well as his degree in film directing from Tehran University of Art. Zarnegar started his career in both literature and film at the same time, becoming well-known in each. He produced seven outstanding short films between 2002 and 2015, with “Becoming” winning the prestigious Best Film and Best Screenplay prizes at the 27th Tehran International Short Film Festival. His debut movie, “Living with the Presence of a Wall,” however, encountered adverse circumstances and had to be stopped after only seventeen days of filming since it was refused a screening license.
For “Wednesday, May 9,” Zarnegar was nominated for the Best Screenplay prize at the 33rd Fajr International Film Festival in 2014. With awards from the Special Jury Award at the Berkshire International Film Festival, the Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, and the Special Jury Prize at the Bratislava International Film Festival, this movie went on to enjoy tremendous success.
Festivals & Awards:
– Shanghai International Film Festival 2023; Nominee 2023, Best Director
– Shanghai International Film Festival; Nominee 2023 , Best Film
*Premiere Status: NY Premiere
