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.
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.”
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.