Dir: Raha Amirfazli & Alireza Ghasemi | Cast: Hamideh Jafari, Bashir Nikzad, Mohammad Hosseini | IDrama, Iran, France, Netherlands 95′
In this nuanced portrait of identity and belonging in a world full of barriers, three members of an extended family of Afghans try to find a sense of home in an increasingly unstable environment of Iran, under threat of US invasion in 2001.
The delicately interwoven stories are thoughtfully told and set against a background of menace that connects with the universal narrative of displacement that continues to resonate all round the world. Their plight is a familiar one involving police brutality, administrative mix-ups and delays – along with the everyday stresses of modern life that exist in any ordinary family. Hamideh Jafari, Bashir Nikzad, Mohammad Hosseini make for a convincing trio.
An impressive first feature for Raha Amirfazli and Alireza Ghasemi In the Land of Brothers is a quietly reflective look at a situation that has international repercussions and is deeply felt by anyone of us trying to fit in with a society that strives to make our existence untenable whether it be in Iran, Europe of the United States. DoP Farshad Mohammadi’s subtle camerawork compliments the understated tone of this watchable and well-acted drama that consolidates the directing duo’s growing reputation on the international film stage. @MeredithTaylor
Sundance Film Festival – The Directing Award: World Cinema Dramatic goes to Raha Amirfazli & Alireza Ghasemi for IN THE LAND OF BROTHERS. #Sundance 22 January 2024