Cairo International Film Festival 2024

[Chris Knipp]

WITNESS (SHAHID)

A new Iranian film at CIFF

WITNESS
Directed by Nader Saeivar
(Link to NOv. 19 VERDICT review by Stephen Dalton)
Iranian director Saeivar used Jafar Panahi as cowriter and editor made a film about the Women Life Freedom movement in Iran following the killing of Mansa Amini in custody by the "Morality Police" Sept. 2022. VERDICT: "The Witness is a solidly crafted drama about how multiple generations of free-spirited women have been repeatedly brutalised and betrayed by the regime." It's "a little slow and creaky in places," i"worthy intentions.. not always matched by dramatic force." But "the subject matter is urgent and the treatment feels heartfelt." Screenings in Cairo this week are part of "a healthy international festival run."
In Farsi
100 minutes

Note: Everything here is courtesy of THE FILM VERDICT.