Two Iranian films selected for Cannes Cinema Season 2025-2026
Iranian cinema continues its tradition of acclaimed storytelling on the international stage
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iranian cinema will be represented at the Cannes Cinema Season 2025-2026 next month with the screening of two feature films, “Melody” by Behrouz Sebt Rasoul and “Daughter” by Reza Mirkarimi.
The works will be shown on September 18 at the Espace Miramar theater in Cannes, France, as part of the “Cannes Cinema Thursdays – Focus on Iranian Cinema” program.
A joint Iran–Tajikistan production, Melody follows a young musician teaching at a center for children with illnesses.
Tasked with composing a celebratory piece inspired by the songs of 30 different birds, she returns to her home village to record them, aided by Mango, a mute caretaker.
Their quest leads to an old village singer, the only person who knows the remaining bird calls. Set against striking natural scenery, the 2023 film stars Diman Zandi, Alireza Ostadi, Meghdad Eslami, and Tajik actors Safar Haqdodov and Zulfiya Sadikova.
The film has been screened at major festivals including the Chennai International Film Festival (India), Fajr International Film Festival (Iran), and Keswick Film Festival (UK).
At Spain’s ImagineIndia Film Festival, it won awards for Best Director of Photography, Best Music Design, and Best Original Music. It was also Tajikistan’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
The second film, Daughter (2016), tells the story of a young woman defying her conservative father to attend a farewell gathering in Tehran, setting off a series of family tensions.
The 103-minute drama stars Farhad Aslani, Merila Zarei, Mahoor Alvand, Shahrokh Foroutanian, Newsha Modabber, and Ghorban Nadjafi.
It has won the Golden Peacock at the International Film Festival of India, the Golden George at the Moscow International Film Festival, and top honors at the Dhaka International Film Festival.
Cannes Cinéma, which runs the annual season, also organizes a range of cultural events and film education programs across the city. The 2025-2026 season will open on September 8 and continue through June 4, 2026.
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