(Facing The Rook / رخ)
Iran, 2023, Documentary/Biography, 80min.
Director: Sam Kalantari
Writers: Arash Sadeghi, Sam Kalantari
Producers: Arash Sadeghi, Sam Kalantari
Cast: Ali-Akbar Sadeghi
Synopsis:
Facing The Rook is a film about the contemporary Iranian artist, Ali Akbar Sadeghi. It is a free interpretation of his dreams and poems. The story revolves around the artist’s latest piece; an artwork with a clear violent expression that is different from his other pieces. Given the artist’s past struggles with depression, the family is concerned about his emotional state, and his sons decide to hire a team of psychoanalysts. The process sparks an idea in their minds to make a film about their father.
Director’s Bio:
Sam Kalantari was born in 1976, Tehran. He is an Iranian film director, producer, and writer. He is considered to be a major figure of the fourth generation of Iranian documentary filmmakers. A civil engineering graduate, he entered the realm of Iran’s professional filmmaking scene in 2001 after completing his academic studies in filmmaking in Ireland. Kalantari was involved in the production of over fifteen films, including documentaries and series in different countries. He is known for being passionate about experiencing different genres. He is the recipient of various prestigious awards from international festivals like Cinema Verite and Fajr International Film Festival. His movies have also been selected by different international film festivals like Visions du Réel (Switzerland). Based on the strength of his works, some of them were screened in London, Prague, Paris, and Istanbul. Exploring different genres, including social, experimental, and environmental, is one of the distinctive features of his works, which has been acclaimed by many critics. His unique way of narrating documentaries has always been well received by the audience.
Festivals & Awards:
– Moscow International Film Festival 2024; Winner, Best Documentary
– Cinema Verite Festival 2024; Winner, Best Director
*Premiere Status: US Premiere
