TEHRAN – The Iranian feature film “In the Arms of the Tree,” written and directed by Babak Khajepasha, won the top prize at the 6th Islamic International Film Festival (MIFF) in Toronto, Canada.
At the festival, which was held from October 10 to 13, an Iranian family drama was awarded the award for best feature film, Mehr reported.
“In the Arms of the Tree” is the story of Kimia and Farid, a married couple who have been married for 12 years. A life crisis shatters the world of children who have known nothing but simplicity and kindness in life.
The film explores themes of family relationships and the emotional connection between parents and children. The story centers on Kimia, a northern mother who struggles with the trauma of past abuse and a debilitating fear of distance. Her Azerbaijani husband Farid, who has a passion for travel and medicinal plants, adds to the tension as the couple prepares to separate.
The film captures the impact of marital discord on children and depicts how children’s lives are disrupted by their parents’ conflict. Ultimately, the film emphasizes the importance of love, connection, and the delicate balance needed to protect a family in crisis.
The cast includes Maral Vaniadam, Javad Gamati, Ruhollah Zamani, Ahoura Lotfi, and Rayan Lotfi.
Produced in 2023, the film won two Crystal Simurg Awards for Best Film and Best Screenplay during its premiere at the 41st Fajr Film Festival.
Furthermore, it won the Special Jury Award at the 10th Asian World Film Festival held in California, and the Best World Feature Film Award at the 22nd Chennai International Film Festival held in India.
The film was screened at several international film festivals including China, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. The Kazan International Film Festival Altyn Minbar also opened in Russia.
The Muslim International Film Festival celebrates the artistry, diversity and excellence of Muslim voices in film.
MIFF was founded with the aim of creating a home for Muslim creators and audiences in the global film industry. Since 2019, we have welcomed filmmakers and film lovers from around the world to Toronto to celebrate bold and authentic Islamic storytelling.
The festival aims to provide a platform for new and established voices, create space for nuanced and diverse authentic Islamic stories, and bring together filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences.
At MIFF, movies are more than just entertainment. It is a bridge between cultures and identities, interweaving the global ummah through the power of storytelling.
SS/SAB