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.
The Iranian Film Festival of Zürich (IFFZ), held from September 12 to September 19, honored *”Cause of Death: Unknown”* with its top prize for Best Feature Film. This accolade underscores the film’s unique storytelling and powerful cinematography, which have left an indelible mark on both audiences and critics around the world.
Set against the stark and evocative scenery of Iran’s Lut Desert, *”Cause of Death: Unknown”* follows a suspenseful narrative centered on seven passengers who discover an unclaimed body inside their van. When authorities refuse to assist without formal verification of death, the passengers are thrust into a moral and emotional conflict. Driven by a need to understand the mystery, they search the deceased man’s belongings, only to uncover unsettling clues that spiral into a series of chilling events.
Ali Zarnagar’s directorial vision, combined with the film’s intricate screenplay and arresting visuals, has captivated viewers globally, earning accolades such as the Best Cinematography award at the Shanghai China Film Festival. The film’s success at IFFZ adds to its growing list of achievements, following its well-received screenings at other international festivals, including the Salento International Film Festival in Italy.
The Iranian Film Festival of Zürich has long celebrated Iranian storytelling and artistry, bringing a diverse selection of Iranian cinema to Swiss and international audiences. By awarding *”Cause of Death: Unknown”* the Best Feature Film prize, IFFZ recognizes the film’s contribution to contemporary Iranian cinema and its power to resonate with viewers on a profound level. The festival, known for fostering cultural exchange, annually acknowledges excellence in filmmaking across categories such as Best Feature, Best Short Film, and Audience Choice, promoting the vibrant and evolving Iranian film industry.
At Raft Film, we are thrilled and honored to celebrate this significant recognition. As *”Cause of Death: Unknown”* continues to reach new audiences worldwide, we look forward to sharing the film’s impactful story and powerful themes with even more viewers.
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
