Synopsis

A young man named Shamsadin (Mehdi Moradi) receives the title of Hafez, bestowed only on those who memorize the Koran, and is sent to teach it to Nabat (Aso), the overseas-raised daughter of a religious leader.

Although they never see each other's faces, feelings of love grow between them as they read the holy book.



Unable to contain his feelings for Nabat, Hafez breaks his vows as a holy man by composing a poem to her, and is thrown out of her father's house and forced to relinquish his title. Then Nabat is forced to marry another man. Will the two ever be able to meet again? —IMDb

Cast: Mehdi Moradi, Kumiko Aso, Mehdi Negahban, Hamide Hedayati, Abdollah Shamasi

Co-producer: Yuji Sadai


Japanese actress Kumiko Aso has played the role of Nabat, the Iranian girl in the film. Jalili has directed Hafez in collaboration with Japanese producers and assigned the role of the girl in the film to Kumiko Aso with their suggestion. This is Aso's first acting experience outside of Japan and in a foreign language film (Persian). Hafez was screened in the Rome Film Festival and won the special jury prize. The film also participated in the Tokyo Film Festival and was then shown in Japanese cinemas.


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“Hafez” is a hit at Rome Film Fest

TEHRAN, Oct. 27 (MNA) -- Iranian filmmaker Abolfazl Jalili’s “Hafez” has taken the Special Jury Prize at the Cinema Rome Film Fest.

Jalili is currently in Japan to participate in the 20th Tokyo International Film Festival which ends tomorrow.

He apologizes for being unable to attend the Rome Film Festival’s presentation ceremony which is being held tonight. Co-producer Yuji Sadai will be receiving the prize.

To all extents and purposes Jalili has been banned from filmmaking because his films have always failed to obtain screening licenses from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

His productions, some of which have only been broadcast on TV or screened at Iranian and international events, enjoy an unconscious simplicity and a clever storytelling style. They mainly center on characters struggling to survive under difficult conditions. (MMS/MA)
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