With great anticipation, “Honor of Persia,” a standout project in the Nordic Gateway strand of the Göteborg Film Festival and a platform linking international features with Nordic collaborators, marked its debut on January 30. This was the solo directorial debut of the French-Iranian actor Zar Amir Ebrahimi. On this day, “Honor of Persia” received the first Tint Post-Production Award, valued at SEK 400,000 ($36,600).
Drawing inspiration from the award-winning actor from “Holy Spider”, whose own life experiences are reflected in the story, co-written by Ebrahimi and Mahmoud Chokrollahi, focuses on Ava Rad, a popular figure in Iranian television and cinema, admired by both the religious guardians of the Islamic Revolution and Iran’s cultural elite. The plot revolves around Ava, as she spirals downwards after an old explicit video of her is made public. This is succinctly summarized in the synopsis: “When an old explicit tape of her is leaked, a once beloved star begins a harrowing journey into darkness.
At the Nordic Film Market in Göteborg, Ebrahimi passionately shared the story behind her project and explained why it was crucial for her to see it on-screen with a gathering of industry professionals.
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Ebrahimi spoke candidly about the origins of her project and emphasized its importance to be brought to the big screen during her heartfelt presentation at the Nordic Film Market in Göteborg, addressing a group of industry peers.
Back in 2005, I was recognized in Iran for my acting roles in films and television shows. However, my life took an unexpected turn when a private video of mine was released publicly, causing a scandal – in a culture grappling with traditional Quranic principles and the complexities of modern internet life. For months afterward, I underwent intense questioning, faced employment restrictions, endured a virginity test, and lived in constant fear for my safety.
2008 marked a year of endless horrors for me. At long last, I was able to escape from Iran, narrowly avoiding my impending trial just hours before. My upcoming work is an autobiographical narrative centered around my life in Iran during that tumultuous time. This is my tale, and I shall be the one to portray the main character.
Ebrahimi aims to create a sincere, powerful, and unconventional movie that portrays themes of betrayal and offers a darkly humorous depiction of a deeply conflicted nation.
This narrative explores a prevalent issue of sexual harassment, particularly in Iran but also universally. Discussing such misconduct is crucial because it’s not just the act itself that impacts victims; it can lead to complex psychological conditions like dissociative identity disorder or amnesia, and even a crisis of self-identity.”
“The story delves into the pervasive problem of sexual harassment, especially in Iran but globally. It’s vital to acknowledge the far-reaching consequences on victims, which can range from mental disorders like dissociative identity disorder or amnesia, to a crisis of personal identity.
She’ll share the story from various perspectives, she clarified: “As a young woman striving not to be perceived as a victim, an actress battling ongoing challenges, and as a filmmaker who could leverage personal experiences and traumas to make her art more profound.
The movie is currently in the process of being funded and produced by Alambic Production, which is based in Paris and owned by Ebrahimi. This production is a collaborative effort with Mohammad Farokhmanesh from Germany’s Brave New Works and Jacob Jarek from Denmark’s Profile Pictures, who were also involved in the creation of Ali Abbasi’s “Holy Spider.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement about a remarkable piece I recently encountered. This creative powerhouse, a writer-director, has crafted a story that is not only bold and personal but also resonates deeply with me. It’s the kind of narrative I believe audiences yearn for, one that captivates us with its artistic expression.
Among five exceptional films from around the world, “The Honor of Persia” was one of them, chosen for the first Nordic Gateway. This includes Kosovo’s social critique “Bleach,” directed by Kaltrina Krasniqi, the musical film “The Love of My Life,” created by Philippe Lesage (“Genesis”), the comedic drama “Grammatik” by Chinese director Popo Fan who resides in Hamburg, and the dramatic piece “Torpor” by the emerging talent from Belgium, Meltse Van Coillie. Her film is set in the Arctic region.
In the meantime, Finnish filmmaker Miia Tervo, who had charmed more than 300 attendees at the Nordic Film Market with her humorous presentation for “You Crazy Thing”, was honored with the freshly established €15,000 ($15,600) Film Finances Scandinavia Award. This recognition is given to a Nordic feature project from the Discovery Co-production Platform that showcases artistic brilliance and international promise.
Tervo’s third photograph, following “Aurora” and “The Missile,” is being created by Finnish producer Marko Talli from Yellow Film & TV. (This version maintains the original structure but uses simpler language for a more natural flow.)
The story crafted by the filmmaker revolves around Aino, a financially struggling mental health nurse harboring resentment towards the rich, who decides to stage a performance alongside her patients for a popular talent show. However, as she develops feelings for one of her patients, a prosperous investment consultant named Mikael, Aino finds herself needing to understand that in order to be loved, one must bravely expose their imperfections and vulnerabilities.
Originating from a fractured family in the icy landscapes of Lapland, Tervo humorously remarked during her presentation, “My mom was a nurse at a hospital; the only variation between her and the patients is that she had the keys!” Raised in a financially struggling household, Tervo recounted the ‘practical’ wisdom imparted by her mother, such as “Your inner self is the most significant. I didn’t give a hoot about my inner self when all I yearned for was a fresh pair of jeans!” However, her upbringing sparked in her contemplation over how socio-economic status shapes one’s identity.
The film is about identity, class and love,” summarised Tervo.
As a film enthusiast, I am thrilled to share that the jury of the Film Finances Scandinavia Award, consisting of esteemed individuals like Goran Kapetanović, Katrin Mersmann from MOIN Film Fund, and Paolo Bertolin from the New Zealand International Film Festival, have collectively chosen a heartfelt and comedic project hailing from a distant locale. This story, in its unique way, resonates deeply with us and promises to offer a bittersweet yet humorous perspective on human life. It subtly illustrates that what sets us apart might just be a matter of perspective, symbolized by a simple pair of keys. Out of the 14 compelling features from the Discovery Co-production Platform, we were privileged to watch Lone Scherfig’s first Swedish project, “Honeytrap,” a captivating spy romance set in Stockholm, 1968, which was presented outside the competition.
The creative endeavor led by Scherfig, produced by Rebecka Hamberger in Sweden, is founded upon an initial screenplay penned by Pelle Rådström. This year, Rådström was honored with the Best Nordic Series Script Award for his work on “Pressure Point.”
In a simpler version:
Scherfig’s project produced by Sweden’s Rebecka Hamberger is based on an original script by Pelle Rådström who won this year’s Best Nordic Series Script Award.
14 distinct aspects from the Discovery Co-production Platform were vying for the latest accolade, whereas Lone Scherfig’s initial venture into Sweden, “Honeytrap”, a romantic spy series backdropped by Stockholm in 1968, was unveiled outside of competition.
Scherfig’s project, developed under the guidance of Rebecka Hamberger from Sweden, originates from a screenplay by Pelle Rådström. This year, his script for Pressure Point earned him the award for Best Nordic Series Script.
In the Nordic Gateway, another project showcased was “Bleach,” a series that follows a team of female cleaners while discussing their experiences with a bleach brand in a focus group. This production is a collaborative effort between Vera Films from Kosovo, Slingshot Films from Italy, Code Blue Productions from Montenegro, Family Affair Films from the Netherlands, and Dream Factory Macedonia from North Macedonia.
Upon becoming a mother, I discovered I required assistance. I placed an advertisement seeking a nanny, and to my surprise, over 300 women responded within two weeks. This was unexpected. Employing a nanny caused me to reassess my daily beliefs. Since it’s not customary by law in Kosovo, there are instances of abuse and violations,” the director explained. Her film aims to delve deeper into class disparities.
In Germany, the film “Grammatik,” made by Fünferfilm, sees Chinese director Popo Fan sharing insights about his life as an immigrant.
In Germany, free from China’s censorship, he found himself facing the challenge of learning German instead. Navigating this language renowned for its intricate grammar rules and structured culture, he chose to create a romantic drama focusing on two immigrants – a Chinese artist and a Syrian chef. Their story explores the true meaning of freedom through their relationship.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “These two characters couldn’t be more contrasting. One is ruled by instant gratification, while the other believes in delayed gratification to achieve his goals. Yet, they share an irresistible attraction. However, falling in love proves to be a challenge that surpasses even mastering German as a language.” In a playful tone, I might add, “The film also features enticing food scenes and steamy, sizzling romantic moments.
The movie, organized around German linguistic concepts, delves into the idea of how language can both limit us and connect diverse cultures and individuals.
The film structured by German grammar principles examines how language has the power to both constrain and unite various cultures and people.
In “Torpor,” a first-time director named Meltse Van Coillie teams up with Menuetto Film to bring us a tale about a polar bear protector named Olivia, who safeguards a team of researchers during the long, dark winter in the Arctic region.
You might be curious about why two Belgians are planning to create a movie in the Arctic. In 2019, I visited Greenland. When I got there, it was in the midst of a fierce blizzard, and I stayed for five weeks by myself in a tiny wooden cabin. One night, I thought to myself: ‘I won’t go out tonight. I’ll stay inside and tomorrow I’ll venture out and explore.’ But then, something unexpected happened. I woke up the next day and realized that ‘up there’, every day was just another day.
The main character is unfazed by harsh environments. However, when she’s requested to extend her duration on a research ship throughout an entire winter while scientists investigate the initial humans observed to enter hibernation, she finds this proposition challenging.
Olivia finds it intriguing that these sleepy locals cause her to ponder about her own mental state. She wonders why she persists in battling coldness, exhaustion, and loneliness when giving in to nature’s suggested rhythm, letting herself fall into a deep slumber, might be simpler? To me, such passive behavior seems daring and revolutionary in today’s society, where our entire system revolves around productivity,” stated Van Coillie, urging her audience to “momentarily pause, yield to the darkness, the enigma, and the power of unity.
Ultimately, Philippe Lesage showcased “The Love of My Life,” a production hailing from Canada and Quebec, supported by Productions L’unité Centrale. Notably, before this, Lesage delved into Nordic links with “Copenhagen – A Love Story.
Since no one witnessed it, this movie serves as my form of retribution. I’m exacting my revenge through music,” he quipped playfully. “At times, I feel like those of us who remain passionate about cinema are like the band on the Titanic. I chose to narrate a tale about an unrecognized documentary filmmaker attending a festival.
While showing his movie in an unoccupied cinema, he encounters a woman from his past. Surprisingly, she’s there with her child, who turns out to be his own daughter as well.
There’s plenty of dancing and inventive routines. The performers sing a mix of new compositions and familiar tunes. It pays tribute to the movies of Jacques Demy from ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’, but it can also veer into territories reminiscent of a Spike Jonze music video.
Over 550 industry experts are set to participate in the Nordic Film Market happening in Göteborg this week, wrapping up on January 31st.
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2025-01-30 23:18