DIRECTOR: Babak Lotfi Khajepasha
STARRING: Maral Baniadam, Javad Ghamati, Roohollah Zamani, Ahoora Lotfi, Rayan Lotfi
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 22 minutes
LANGUAGE: Persian
The life crisis of Kimia and Farid, who have been married for twelve years, destroys the world of their children.
***
In the Arms of the Tree is directed by Babak Lotfi Khajepasha and its his second feature film following Light Blue. It had its world premiere at Iran’s Fajr Film Festival in February 2023 where it received the Crystal Simorgh Award for Best Screenplay. It also played at the Shanghai International Film Festival in 2024.
Iran has selected In The Arms of the Tree as its candidate for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. Iran’s Farabi Cinema Foundation made the announcement this morning. IRNA, the country’s English-language news service, said the pick was made after a 10-day review process. IRNA said a nine-member selection committee picked the film from a final selection process that included two other finalists. The other two films were Isatis, directed by Alireza Dehghan, and The Silent City, directed by Ahmad Bahrami.
The film is produced by Soureh Cinema.
In the Arms of the Tree is a drama and it was filmed in Northern Iran close to Orumiyeh.
To check out all previous submissions for Iran, click HERE.
STARRING: Maral Baniadam, Javad Ghamati, Roohollah Zamani, Ahoora Lotfi, Rayan Lotfi
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 22 minutes
LANGUAGE: Persian
The life crisis of Kimia and Farid, who have been married for twelve years, destroys the world of their children.
***
In the Arms of the Tree is directed by Babak Lotfi Khajepasha and its his second feature film following Light Blue. It had its world premiere at Iran’s Fajr Film Festival in February 2023 where it received the Crystal Simorgh Award for Best Screenplay. It also played at the Shanghai International Film Festival in 2024.
Iran has selected In The Arms of the Tree as its candidate for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. Iran’s Farabi Cinema Foundation made the announcement this morning. IRNA, the country’s English-language news service, said the pick was made after a 10-day review process. IRNA said a nine-member selection committee picked the film from a final selection process that included two other finalists. The other two films were Isatis, directed by Alireza Dehghan, and The Silent City, directed by Ahmad Bahrami.
The film is produced by Soureh Cinema.
In the Arms of the Tree is a drama and it was filmed in Northern Iran close to Orumiyeh.
To check out all previous submissions for Iran, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
"They're going to die if they are separated."
In the Arms of the Tree is a moving, beautifully crafted debut by Iranian director Babak Khajepasha that delves into the delicate intricacies of family dynamics. With profound sensitivity and cultural depth, the film tells the story of Kimia and Farid, a couple on the verge of separation, and the impact their struggles have on their two young sons. By focusing on the children’s perspectives, Khajepasha allows audiences to see the emotional weight that family conflict brings to even the youngest members. The film is as much a story of resilience as it is an exploration of love and the lengths to which family members will go to preserve their bond.
Khajepasha’s approach to storytelling is refreshingly simple yet strikingly effective. Rather than relying on high drama, he chooses a restrained style that lets the raw emotions of the characters unfold naturally. The film’s serene cinematography captures the quiet beauty of Iran’s northern landscapes, which stand in stark contrast to the emotional turmoil within the family. Through this visual juxtaposition, Khajepasha emphasizes the universality of the family experience, highlighting both the uniqueness of Iranian culture and the common bonds that families around the world share.
The performances in In the Arms of the Tree are powerful and nuanced, particularly from the young actors playing Taha and Alisan, the couple’s two sons. Their portrayal of childhood innocence amid emotional chaos is tender and heartrending. Taha’s protective instincts and determination to shield his younger brother from their parents' troubles are inspiring, making the sibling bond one of the film’s strongest and most affecting elements. Maral Baniadam and Javad Ghamati also deliver exceptional performances as the struggling parents, bringing to life the complexities of adult relationships and the internal battles they face.
What sets In the Arms of the Tree apart is its balance between heartbreak and hope. While it addresses the pain and disorientation that children feel in times of familial strife, it also sheds light on the power of resilience and emotional connection. Taha and Alisan's bond stands as a testament to the innocence of childhood and the inherent strength found in family, even in the darkest moments. Khajepasha’s depiction of these themes is never preachy; instead, he invites the audience to reflect on the delicate dance of preserving love and connection amid life’s challenges.
In the Arms of the Tree is a touching and thought-provoking film that celebrates the beauty and strength of family, even amid hardship. With its deep-rooted cultural authenticity and universal appeal, the film resonates long after the credits roll, leaving viewers with a renewed appreciation for the importance of family in all its forms. Khajepasha’s debut is a promising start to his directorial career, and this heartfelt story is a beautiful representation of Iranian cinema on the global stage.
(This review contains spoilers.)
"They're going to die if they are separated."
In the Arms of the Tree is a moving, beautifully crafted debut by Iranian director Babak Khajepasha that delves into the delicate intricacies of family dynamics. With profound sensitivity and cultural depth, the film tells the story of Kimia and Farid, a couple on the verge of separation, and the impact their struggles have on their two young sons. By focusing on the children’s perspectives, Khajepasha allows audiences to see the emotional weight that family conflict brings to even the youngest members. The film is as much a story of resilience as it is an exploration of love and the lengths to which family members will go to preserve their bond.
Khajepasha’s approach to storytelling is refreshingly simple yet strikingly effective. Rather than relying on high drama, he chooses a restrained style that lets the raw emotions of the characters unfold naturally. The film’s serene cinematography captures the quiet beauty of Iran’s northern landscapes, which stand in stark contrast to the emotional turmoil within the family. Through this visual juxtaposition, Khajepasha emphasizes the universality of the family experience, highlighting both the uniqueness of Iranian culture and the common bonds that families around the world share.
The performances in In the Arms of the Tree are powerful and nuanced, particularly from the young actors playing Taha and Alisan, the couple’s two sons. Their portrayal of childhood innocence amid emotional chaos is tender and heartrending. Taha’s protective instincts and determination to shield his younger brother from their parents' troubles are inspiring, making the sibling bond one of the film’s strongest and most affecting elements. Maral Baniadam and Javad Ghamati also deliver exceptional performances as the struggling parents, bringing to life the complexities of adult relationships and the internal battles they face.
What sets In the Arms of the Tree apart is its balance between heartbreak and hope. While it addresses the pain and disorientation that children feel in times of familial strife, it also sheds light on the power of resilience and emotional connection. Taha and Alisan's bond stands as a testament to the innocence of childhood and the inherent strength found in family, even in the darkest moments. Khajepasha’s depiction of these themes is never preachy; instead, he invites the audience to reflect on the delicate dance of preserving love and connection amid life’s challenges.
In the Arms of the Tree is a touching and thought-provoking film that celebrates the beauty and strength of family, even amid hardship. With its deep-rooted cultural authenticity and universal appeal, the film resonates long after the credits roll, leaving viewers with a renewed appreciation for the importance of family in all its forms. Khajepasha’s debut is a promising start to his directorial career, and this heartfelt story is a beautiful representation of Iranian cinema on the global stage.
