The Iranian drama "Cause of Death: Unknown," directed by Ali Zarnagar, has been officially selected for the Salento International Film Festival in Italy. This critically acclaimed film continues to captivate audiences and critics alike as it makes its way through the international festival circuit.
Following its mesmerizing European premiere at the Hof International Film Festival in Germany, where it left audiences spellbound, “Cause of Death: Unknown” is set to enchant viewers at the Salento International Film Festival. The film has already garnered significant attention and acclaim, including winning the Best Cinematography prize at the Shanghai China Film Festival and earning multiple nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
Set against the desolate backdrop of the Lut Desert, “Cause of Death: Unknown” follows the journey of a van with seven passengers traveling along a secluded road. Shortly after their journey begins, they make a chilling discovery—a body inside the van. Without a doctor’s confirmation of death, emergency services refuse to send an ambulance. Amidst the uncertainty, some passengers suggest driving to a nearby police patrol to report the incident. Before setting off, they decide to search the deceased man’s body for identification or contact information. What they uncover instead is something they never should have seen.
Director Ali Zarnagar’s masterful storytelling and the film’s compelling narrative have resonated deeply with audiences, making it a standout entry in the international film festival circuit. The selection of “Cause of Death: Unknown” for the Salento International Film Festival further cements its status as a significant work in contemporary Iranian cinema.
In 2017, Ali Zarnagar won the Best Screenplay award at the Stockholm Film Festival for “No Date, No Signature.” The jury praised the screenplay for its “methodical exploration of the unspeakable ethical quandaries triggered by shocking tragedy, and its complex and systematic examination of issues of privilege (and lack thereof), guilt and culpability.”
The Salento International Film Festival (SIFF), founded in 2004 by Luigi Campanile, is a celebration of films and filmmakers, promoting international independent films. Recognizing movies as the most powerful form of cultural communication and a link between cultures and peoples, SIFF has become a major cultural event and the top film festival in Southern Italy. Each year, it introduces filmmakers worldwide to the Salento area’s unique resources while celebrating the history and future of the film industry with nine days of world premieres, special events, seminars, feature films, short films, and documentaries.
The festival also offers various awards and prizes, including Best Feature Film, Best Soundtrack, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Documentary, and Best Short Film.
As “Cause of Death: Unknown” continues its journey, we at Raft Film are thrilled to witness the growing recognition and appreciation for this extraordinary film. We look forward to sharing this powerful story with audiences in Salento and beyond.
The Iranian film *”Cause of Death: Unknown,”* directed by Ali Zarnagar, has been officially selected to screen at the Girona Film Festival in Catalonia, Spain. Now in its 36th year, the prestigious festival will be held from November 4 to November 9, presenting an exceptional lineup of international cinema.
“Cause of Death: Unknown,” directed by Iranian filmmaker Ali Zarnagar, has won the prestigious Best Feature Film award at the Torino Underground Cinefest, which took place from September 26 to September 30. This recognition marks a milestone in the film’s international journey, following its recent screenings at other acclaimed festivals.
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 acclaimed Iranian drama “Cause of Death: Unknown,” directed by Ali Zarnagar, has won the Best Feature Film award at the Iranian Film Festival of Zürich (IFFZ). This recognition marks another major milestone in the film’s international journey, reinforcing its impact in the realm of contemporary cinema.
