Feature Film Selection/ Romania, Croatia, Qatar, Iran, 2023, 69’

Details

• Director: Vlad Petri
• Screenplay: Lavinia Braniște, Vlad Petri
• Editing: Dragoș Apetri, Cătălin Cristuțiu, Vlad Petri
• Producer: Monica Lăzurean-Gorgan
• Production: Activ Docs
• Cast: Ilinca Hărnuț, Victoria Stoiciu
• 2023 Berlin Film Festival Berlinale Forum FIPRESCI Award
• 2023 ZagrebDox Regional Competition Jury’s Special Mention
• 2023 Transilvania Film Festival Best Feature in Romanian Days Competition, FIPRESCI Award

Recap

In 1970s Bucharest, Zahra and Maria form a deep friendship while studying at university. As political turmoil develops in Iran, Zahra is forced to return home, leaving Maria behind. Over the next decade, they maintain their connection through a series of letters, chronicling their struggles as women fighting for a voice and their respective countries moving in divergent directions. Despite the distance and obstacles, their longing for each other remains strong.

Director

Vlad Petri

Born in 1979, Vlad Petri is a director focused on political and social subjects, often mixing personal images with official archives. After his film education he worked as a freelance director, cinematographer and photographer on various projects, including in Afghanistan and Syria. He made a number of documentaries with a special interest on social issues, politics and activism. His films, at the border between documentary and fiction, have been shown and won awards at international festivals.

Trailer

Stills