9th IFFA media releases

IRANIAN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2019 DATES AND ‘CASTLE OF DREAMS’ AS OPENING NIGHT FILM

1st Media Release

The Iranian Film Festival Australia (IFFA) is thrilled to announce Reza Mirkarimi’s acclaimed, multi award winning film, Castle of Dreams as the opening night film of this year’s Festival, which takes place from 24 October – 20 November. In its ninth iteration IFFA 2019 will showcase the best of Iranian cinema, presenting a mix of films by world-renowned Iranian auteurs alongside thrilling new talents in a dynamic program that tours across the country.

After winning the Best Screenplay and Music awards at Iran’s National Academy Awards, Castle of Dreams went on to scoop the Golden Goblet prize for Best Film, the Best Director prize for Reza Mirkarimi and a shared Best Actor Award for Hamed Behdad at the prestigious Shanghai Film Festival earlier this year.

A drama about family, separation and keeping one’s promises by one of Iran’s finest filmmakers, Castle of Dreams is described by The Hollywood Reporter as “a subtly written and sensitively directed psychological drama that nimbly teases out the meaning of fatherhood and the responsibility it entails.”

Iranian Film Festival Australia Director Armin Miladi said, “The Iranian Film industry continues to shine on the international stage despite all political and economic challenges the country has been facing due to sanctions. For the 9^th edition of the festival as per previous years, we have selected the best of 2019 film productions, bringing one of our best selections yet of contemporary Iranian cinema to a wide audience. Iranian cinema is recognised internationally for its minimalism and emotional directness, you can see this at it’s best at Reza Mirkarimi’s master piece, Castle of Dreams, that we have chosen to open the festival with.“

IFFA 2019 will tour to all major capital cities presenting more than 10 recent films. New venues for 2019 include Cinema Nova in Melbourne, Palace Nova East End in Adelaide, Event Cinema Manuka in Canberra and the Festival is delighted to return to Luna Cinema, Leederville in Perth, Elizabeth Picture Theatre in Brisbane and Event Cinemas, Top Ryde in Sydney.