Tehran – The 3rd Iranian Film Festival, held in Malaysia, is currently underway, showing four films and animations of various genres.
The cultural event will end on Sunday as it will start on February 20th and is hosted at four major venues: Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the art of Iranian cinema and explore the deep richness of Iranian culture and history, Honaron Rhine reported.
Iranian films include “The Arm of a Wooden Arm” by Babak Kajepasha, “The Scent” by Hadi Mogadamdos, “Goodbye Shiraj Girl” by Afshin Hashemi and “Captain” by Mohammad Hamey. Additionally, “Dolphin Boy” by Mohammad Kheirandish is an Iranian animated film of the programme.
“The Arms of the Tree” is a family drama that explores the crisis in life and its impact on children. This was Iran’s official submission for the best international feature film category at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. However, it did not reach the finalist.
The film explores the themes of family relationships and emotional reconnection between parents and children. At the heart of the story is Kimia, a northern mother who tackles the trauma of past abuse and the debilitating fears of distance. Her husband, Farid, is Azeri’s father, who has a passion for travel and medicinal plants, and the tension increases as the couple prepares for a separation movement.
The film captures the effects of marital discords on children, showing how their parents’ struggles can interfere with their lives. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of love, connection and delicate balance needed to maintain a family in a crisis.
The 2023 production, the film won two Crystal Simoog Awards for its best first film and best script, premiering at the 41st FAJR Film Festival. Additionally, it was named the best film in the international section of the first edition of Iran’s Havba International Film Festival in 2023.
The film has been shown at several international festivals in countries such as China, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, last September, the Kazan International Film Festival Altin Mimber opened in Russia.
“Scent” is a powerful story about identity and life responsibility. In the film, the deeply struggling and hesitant individual faces a deep conflict, both in the complexity of his own existence and the weight of his responsibility.
Tolerated by inner confusion and uncertainty, he tackles the demands and expectations placed upon him, navigating the difficult path between personal desires and the obligations imposed by life. This internal conflict leads him to question his choices, his purpose, and the essence of his identity.
“Goodbye Shiraji Girl” is a fascinating romantic story of unexpected connections. Broadly based on Neil Simon’s “Goodbye Girl,” it tells the story of widows Abadan and Mahmoud from Shabnam who live with his daughter Nazi. When they rent the same house, they have to deal with each other until they find a solution.
“Captain” is an exciting story of a boy’s dreams and resilience in his challenges. The 90-minute film, produced by the Farabi Film Foundation, deals with themes of hope and forgiveness.
An 11-year-old named Isa is absolutely certain he will soon play for Iran’s national football team. He cannot shake his confidence. It’s not even the fact that he lives in the cancer department of a hospital and is weaker from treatment to treatment.
“Dolphin Boy” is a heartwarming animation about the magical friendship between a dolphin and a boy lost at the sea.
Dolphin Snowball saves a little boy in the waves. Since then, they inadvertently grow together and stimulate marine life with their funny tricks. But one day, the peace of their joyous little world is destroyed by evil octopus.
He expels the boy and lands, where he must learn to live among the people and understand the secrets of his origins. New friends, kind Captain Marvalid, and a loyal snowman help the boy deal with all the difficulties – whether on the bottom of the ocean or on a mysterious, distant island. A wonderful adventure awaits.
The Iranian Film Festival in Malaysia was held in collaboration with the Cultural Counseling of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic, the Islamic Cultural Communication Organization, and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).
The event has attracted media attention, reflecting the importance of fostering cultural and artistic connections between the two countries.
The festival serves as a cultural bridge that enhances mutual understanding rather than merely a cinema celebration. It celebrates the unique storytelling of Iranian films that resonate with world audiences.
SS/