Ali Zarnegar, born in 1983 in Tehran, is an acclaimed Iranian author, film director, and poet. He holds degrees in Film Directing and Drama from Tehran University of Art. Zarnegar has garnered critical acclaim for his works, including No Date, No Signature and Wednesday, May 9, both of which received numerous international awards. In 2021, he directed his debut feature film, a gripping drama exploring moral dilemmas in a desert setting.
Ali Zarnegar (fa: علی زرنگار), an Iranian author, film director, and poet, was born in 1983 in Tehran. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Film Directing and a master’s degree in Drama from Tehran University of Art. Balancing his passion for literature and cinema, Zarnegar launched his career in both fields simultaneously. Between 2002 and 2015, he directed seven short films, including the award-winning Becoming, which won Best Film and Best Screenplay at the 27th Tehran International Short Film Festival.
Zarnegar’s first feature film, Life with the Presence of a Wall, was halted after only 17 days of filming due to a lack of a screening license, reflecting the challenges faced by independent filmmakers in Iran. However, his perseverance bore fruit with Wednesday, May 9 (2014), which earned him a nomination for Best Screenplay at the 33rd Fajr International Film Festival. The film was celebrated internationally, winning the Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, the Special Jury Prize at the Berkshire International Film Festival, and the Bratislava International Film Festival.
In 2016, Zarnegar received another Best Screenplay nomination at the 35th Fajr International Film Festival for No Date, No Signature. The film became a landmark in his career, winning the Cinema Cinema Academy Award in Iran and the Best Screenplay award at the 27th Stockholm International Film Festival. Accepted into over 40 international festivals, it secured more than 10 prestigious awards, cementing Zarnegar’s reputation on the global stage.
In 2018, he was once again nominated for Best Screenplay at the Fajr International Film Festival for Bone Marrow. Three years later, in 2021, Zarnegar debuted as a feature film director with an independent drama exploring the moral dilemmas of seven passengers stranded in the heart of the desert. This film, marked by its unique perspective on tragedy, showcased Zarnegar’s evolution as a filmmaker and his ability to tackle profound human issues with nuance and depth.
The film Cause of Death: Unknown tells the story of seven travelers caught in a complex situation where morality and survival collide. In this narrative, secrets and suffering challenge the notions of law and justice, putting morality to the test against truth and shame.
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.
The Iranian film *”Cause of Death: Unknown,”* directed by Ali Zarnagar, has been officially selected for The Pigeon International Film Festival (PIFF) in Ísafjörður, Iceland. Now in its third year, PIFF will take place from October 9 to October 12, showcasing a variety of international films in this unique Nordic setting.
“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.
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.
The powerful Iranian drama “Cause of Death: Unknown,” directed by Ali Zarnagar, has been officially selected to screen at the Iranian Film Festival of Zürich (IFFZ) in Switzerland. Building on its international acclaim, this film continues to make a significant impact on the festival circuit.
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.
The European premiere of Iranian drama “Cause of Death: Unknown” took place at the Hof International Film Festival in Germany. The film follows seven passengers on a journey between Shahdad and Kerman, discovering a deceased passenger and examining his body for clues.
“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.
Ali Zarnegar’s “Cause of Death: Unknown” is a decent Iranian drama/mystery film that manages to captivate its audience with its intriguing storyline. The technical aspects of the movie are also commendable, making it a visually appealing experience.
