The Iranian drama "Cause of Death: Unknown," directed by Ali Zarnagar, has been officially selected for the Monadnock International Film Festival in New Hampshire, U.S. The festival, now in its 12th year, will take place from October 4 to October 17, bringing international cinematic talent to American audiences.
The selection of *”Cause of Death: Unknown”* for the prestigious Monadnock International Film Festival (MONIFF) marks another significant milestone in the film’s international tour. Set against the haunting landscape of Iran’s Lut Desert, this suspenseful drama follows a group of seven passengers who face an unsettling discovery—a lifeless body in their van. As they grapple with the decision to seek help, they unravel secrets that challenge their resolve and ethical boundaries.
The Monadnock International Film Festival, known for its mission to celebrate world cinema and foster cultural exchange, provides a fitting platform for *”Cause of Death: Unknown.”* This selection continues the film’s successful festival circuit, having previously captivated audiences in Italy at the Torino Underground Cinefest and the Salento International Film Festival, as well as winning Best Feature Film at the Iranian Film Festival of Zürich.
In its 12th year, MONIFF showcases a diverse lineup of feature films, documentaries, and shorts, aiming to spark conversations on social issues and explore human experiences through storytelling. The festival has become a renowned event in New Hampshire’s arts community, celebrating global talent and providing awards across various categories.
At Raft Film, we are thrilled to bring *”Cause of Death: Unknown”* to New Hampshire audiences and grateful for the continued international recognition of this powerful story. As the film embarks on its U.S. journey, we look forward to connecting with viewers at MONIFF and sharing the impactful themes and artistry that define this exceptional work.
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
