"Cause of Death: Unknown," an intriguing Iranian drama-mystery directed by Ali Zarnegar, has been selected for the highly anticipated Shanghai Film Festival. Explore the complexities of Iranian society through this captivating film that combines suspense, ethical dilemmas, and the consequences of greed.
The highly anticipated Shanghai Film Festival has announced its selection of “Cause of Death: Unknown,” a gripping Iranian drama-mystery directed by Ali Zarnegar. The film delves into the complex social issues of Iranian society, weaving together an intriguing narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
The story follows seven passengers embarking on a journey from Shahdad to Kerman before sunrise. However, their trip takes an unexpected turn when one of the passengers is discovered dead. Faced with the challenge of verifying the death without a doctor on hand, they are denied an ambulance. Determined to seek assistance, the group decides to drive to the police station, but not before uncovering a shocking secret: a substantial sum of money hidden beneath the deceased’s vest. As tensions rise and trust wavers, each passenger is gradually persuaded to divide the money among themselves and bury the corpse.
Under the direction of Ali Zarnegar, the captivating story comes to life, delving into the complexities of human behavior, ethical quandaries, and the repercussions of avarice. The talented cast, including Banipal Shoomoon, Alireza Sani Far, Neda Jebraeili, Ali Mohammad Radmanesh, Zakieh Behbahani, Reza Amouzad, Soheil Bavi, Saeed Rezaeikia, Milad Moradi, Ahmad Dehghanrahimi, Mansour Ghanijahed, and Mohammadreza Hosseinian, skillfully portray characters representing various strata of Iranian society.
The news of the film’s selection for the Shanghai Film Festival has sent waves of excitement and anticipation through the industry. With its world premiere scheduled for June 13, 2023, “Cause of Death; Unknown” is set to captivate audiences with its gripping storyline, expertly crafted suspense, and thought-provoking exploration of societal issues.
Ali Zarnegar expressed his delight at the film’s inclusion in the prestigious festival, stating, “It’s an incredible honor to have “Cause of Death: Unknown’ selected for the Shanghai Film Festival. This recognition allows us to shed light on Iranian social issues and showcase the immense talent and dedication of our cast and crew. We hope audiences will be enthralled by the film’s mystery and engaged in its exploration of human nature.”
As the festival draws near, film enthusiasts and industry professionals eagerly anticipate the world premiere of “Cause of Death: Unknown.” With its blend of mystery, drama, and societal commentary, this Iranian gem is poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences at the Shanghai Film Festival and beyond.
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
