Following its successful screening at the Salento International Film Festival on September 10, "Cause of Death: Unknown," directed by Ali Zarnagar, has been selected for another Italian premiere at the Torino Underground Cinefest. This selection reaffirms the film’s powerful storytelling and impact on international audiences.
From September 26 to September 30, “Cause of Death: Unknown” will be featured at the Torino Underground Cinefest, where it promises to captivate Italian audiences once again. The film, set against the eerie beauty of Iran’s Lut Desert, follows seven passengers who face an unnerving discovery when they find a body inside their van. With no immediate help from authorities, the group must navigate a series of chilling revelations that test their resilience and unity.
Already celebrated for its artistic depth, *”Cause of Death: Unknown”* has garnered significant acclaim, including the Best Cinematography award at the Shanghai China Film Festival and the Best Feature Film prize at the Iranian Film Festival of Zürich. Its selection for Torino Underground Cinefest emphasizes its appeal within Italian independent film circles, where it is recognized for its suspenseful narrative and profound exploration of human ethics and morality.
Torino Underground Cinefest, known for spotlighting bold and independent cinema, provides a fitting platform for “Cause of Death: Unknown” to connect with audiences seeking unconventional storytelling. The festival’s commitment to showcasing international talent is reflected in its awards for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, celebrating cinematic innovation from around the globe.
We at Raft Film are thrilled to see “Cause of Death: Unknown” return to Italy for this prestigious screening, extending its journey to new audiences and enriching its legacy as a film that resonates across cultures.
Cause of Death: Unknown, written and directed by Ali Zarnegar and produced by Majid Barzegar, represents Iran at the 2026 Academy Awards and will compete in the Main Competition of the 11th Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) in Los Angeles. The film, set in Iran’s haunting Lut Desert, follows seven
The Iranian feature Cause of Death: Unknown, directed by Ali Zarnegar and produced by Majid Barzegar, has been officially selected as Iran’s submission for the 2026 Academy Awards. Represented internationally by Raft Films, the film has already won major prizes.
The Iranian drama Cause of Death: Unknown, directed by Ali Zarnegar, has officially been selected by Iran’s national committee as the country’s representative for the 2026 Academy Awards. The unanimous decision underscores the film’s artistic significance and its growing recognition on the global stage.
Every once in a while, a film rises beyond its plot and characters to hold up a mirror to an entire society. Cause of Death: Unknown, directed by Ali Zarnegar, is precisely such a work — not just a story, but an odyssey. Unfolding over the course of a night
