Edinburgh 2024 :: August 15 - 21
A SHRINE (by Abdolreza Kahani, Canada)
Selected for 77th Edinburgh IFF
Ark Gate Films.Inc & IIFMA
“A SHRINE” by Abdolreza Kahani Selected for 77th Edinburgh International Film Festival 2024
A mobile religious shrine acts as a get-rich-quick scheme for an ambitious man. But there may be consequences…
This subversive comedy drama also offers an intriguing and offbeat window into the diasporic Iranian community in Montreal. --Deadline
The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), recognized as one of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious film festivals, has officially announced its 2024 lineup for its 77th edition.
“Through a spirit of collaboration, passion and above all teamwork, we have worked to fashion something special out of a shared vision for what we want this historic festival to be going forward, and to offer a platform to an enormous range of film work. Since day one, the audience has always been front and centre in our thinking,” said Paul Ridd, EIFF director.
![](../images/A Shrine 2024_001.jpg)
The festival will feature the world premiere of “A SHRINE” directed by Abdolreza Kahani. This film, a collaborative production between Canada, Iran, and France, is set to compete for the highly esteemed Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence.
The festival is scheduled to take place from August 15 to 21 and will showcase 37 feature films, with 10 of them having their world premiere. Among these are “The Outrun,” directed by Nora Fingscheidt and starring Saoirse Ronan, which will open the festival, and the closing film “Since Yesterday: The Untold Story Of Scotland’s Girl Bands.”
Abdolreza Kahani, known for his acclaimed films such as NOTHING, NEEDLESSLY AND CAUSELESSLY, ABSOLUTELY TAME IS A HORSE and ABSOLUTE REST has garnered praise from both critics and audiences in Iran. His latest film, A SHRINE, was shot in Montreal and is a collaborative effort between Canada, Iran, and France.
The film follows a migrant worker in Montreal who faces daily struggles, but his life takes a surprising turn when he comes into possession of a mobile shrine. As he travels among religious Iranians, he becomes the vessel for their vows and wishes. Starring Nima Sadri and Farhad Zarei, this satirical comedy-drama offers a unique and unconventional perspective on the Iranian diaspora community in Montreal.
Established in 1947, EIFF is celebrated for highlighting the best in international cinema and serves as a crucial platform for emerging talents and seasoned filmmakers alike. This year, EIFF also presents the Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence, with Schoonmaker herself in attendance. Winners will be chosen through a combination of jury selection and audience votes, ensuring a dynamic and engaging festival experience.
The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has officially announced its 2024 lineup for its 77th edition.
(From #EIFF 2022 programme!)
* * *
EIFF 2024 line-up
*denotes world premiere
The Outrun (UK) – opening night film
Dir. Nora Fingscheidt
Since Yesterday: The Untold Story Of Scotland’s Girl Bands (UK)* – closing night film
Dirs. Blair Young, Carla J Easton
The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence
All The Mountains Give (Iran)*
Dir. Arash Rakhsha
The Ceremony (UK)*
Dir. Jack King
Fuga (Belg)*
Dirs. Mary Jiménez, Bénédicte Liénard
Lilies Not For Me (US)*
Dir. Will Seefried
Lollipop (UK)*
Dir. Daisy-May Hudson
A SHRINE (Canada)*
Dir. Abdolreza Kahani
Smiles And Kisses And You (US)*
Dir. Bryan Carberry
Sunlight (UK)*
Dir. Nina Conti
To Kill A Wolf (US)*
Dir. Kelsey Taylor
Xibalba Monster (Mex)*
Dir. Manuela Irene
Out of competition features
Acting (UK)*
Dir. Sophie Fiennes
And Mrs (UK)*
Dir. Daniel Reisinger
Armand (Norway)
Dir. Halfdan Ullmann Tønde
Between The Temples (US)
Dir. Nathan Silver
Black Dog (Taiwan)
Dir. Guan Hu
Blue Sun Palace (US)
Dir. Constance Tsang
Bogancloch (UK)
Dir. Ben Rivers
Joy Dancer (US)*
Dirs. Suzanne Smith, Sylvia Solf
Mongrel (Taiwan)
Dirs. Wei Liang Chiang, You Qiao Yin
My Favourite Cake (Iran-Fr-Swe-Ger)
Dirs. Maryam Moghadam, Behtash Sanaeeha
A New Kind Of Wilderness (Norway)
Dir. Silje Evensmo Jacobsen
Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust (India)
Dir. Ishan Shukla
Sing Sing (US)
Dir. Greg Kwedar
Steppenwolf (Kazakhstan)
Dir. Adilkhan Yerzhanov
A Sudden Glimpse To Deeper Things (UK)
Dir. Mark Cousins
The Mountain Within Me (UK)*
Dir. Polly Steele
The Radleys (UK)*
Dir. Euros Lyn
Timestalker (UK)
Dir. Alice Lowe
Midnight Madness
Alien: Romulus (US)
Dir. Fede Álvarez
The Substance (US-UK-Fr)
Dir. Coralie Fargeat
Birdeater (Australia)
Dirs. Jack Clark, Jim Weir
King Baby (UK)
Dirs. Kit Redstone, Arran Shearing
Oddity (Ire)
Dir. Damian Mc Carthy
Sunray: Fallen Soldier (UK)*
Dirs. James Clarke, Daniel Shephard
Lynda Myles Celebrates
Gala And Kiwi (Arg)*
Dir. Axel Cheb Terrab
Retrospectives
I Know Where I’m Going! (UK)
Dirs. Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell
Suspiria (It)
Dir. Dario Argento (Gaspar Noé will take part in an ‘in conversation’ event following the screening)
The Untouchables (US)
Dir. Brian De Palma
Phantom Of The Paradise (US)
Dir. Brian De Palma