TEHRAN – The 20th edition of the Kazan-Altyn Minbar International Film Festival will begin in the Russian city on September 6 with the premiere of “In the Arms of the Tree” by Iranian director Babak Khajepasha.

The film follows the struggles of an entrepreneurial family on the brink of collapse. At the heart of the story is Kimia, a northern mother struggling with the trauma of past abuse and a crippling fear of distance. Her husband Farid, an Azerbaijani father with a passion for travel and medicinal plants, adds to the tension as the couple prepare for a separation.

As Kimia and Farid’s relationship deteriorates, their two sons, 11-year-old Taha and his five-year-old brother Alisan, become unexpected heroes in this emotional turmoil. Taha, deeply caring and protective, is determined to protect Alisan from the consequences of their parents’ crises. The boys’ strong bond and friendship serve as a beacon of hope amid the tumult, emphasizing the innocence of childhood and the power of familial love in the face of adversity.

The film shows the impact marital strife has on children and how their lives can be disrupted by their parents’ problems. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of love, connection and the delicate balance required to sustain a family in crisis.

This screening is the first showing of the film in Russia, more precisely in Kazan.

Nina Kochelyaeva, chair of the festival’s selection committee, stressed the importance of 2024, which has been declared the Year of the Family and inspired the choice of “In the Arms of the Tree” as the festival’s opening film. She noted: “This psychological family drama was chosen as the opening film precisely because it addresses themes such as respect for children’s choices and the importance of maintaining family ties.”

Deputy Mufti for Information Policy Rishat Khamidullin advocates for families to watch In the Arms of the Tree together, pointing to the large number of screening locations available.

He underlined the profound impact of cinema, pointing to its ability to shape self-confidence and cultural identity. He warned: “In the wrong hands, film can distort values ​​and undermine our connection to our identity. It is crucial to uphold family values ​​and mutual respect between men and women, as these principles are fundamental in both Islam and Russian culture. If we fail to promote traditional values, we risk allowing conflicting priorities to seep into our culture.”

On September 6, the opening day of the festival, the film will be shown in the Mir and Rodina cinemas, and further open-air screenings are planned in the public office of the Kazan Kremlin and on the picturesque shore of Lake Kaban.

Traditionally, the opening film will set the stage for the overall tone and themes of the festival.

The 20th Kazan International Film Festival – Altyn Minbar runs until September 6th.

The Altyn Minbar Festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The Kazan International Film Festival is held under the patronage of Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Russian Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the strategic vision group “Russia – Islamic World”.

SAB/