In a northern Iranian coastal town, Yaqub, a beleaguered fisherman, grapples with escalating pressures. Despite winning a lawsuit against his employer, he teeters on the brink of unemployment. His desperation deepens as his young daughter bravely battles cancer, pushing him toward agonizing decisions. Yaqub stands at the crossroads of an unimaginable choice, where every option tests the limits of his love and resilience.
Writing Credits:
Mehdi Mirbagheri
Cast:
Reza Akhlaghirad
Nasrin Nosrati
Siamak Adib
Shahrouz Aghaeipoor
Mohammad Ebadollahi
Helina Mahmoodi
Ebrahim Amirkhani
Saba Sadeghi
Saman Shahmirzadi
Produced by:
Reza Behdadnia
Seyed Javad Hosseini
Director of photography: Shahin Toofan
Editor:
Ata Mehrad
Make-up artist:
Omid Golzadeh
Set designer:
Masoud Rashedi
Costume designer:
Arta Mahan
Sound recordist:
Alireza Paknahad
Sound designer: Amirhossein Sadeghi
Music:
Behzad Abdi
Schedule manager:
Seyed Behzad Hosseini
Project executive:
Hamed Jalali Farahani
Colorist:
Ali Shabani
Poster designer:
Hamed Talkhabi
Script supervisor:
Melina Rezaei
Advertisement:
Noir Studio
Trailer:
Masoud Farjam
Amin Salmani
Photographer:
Sohrab Valadbeygi
International sales:
Raft Films
Heritage tells the moving story of Fariba, a woman in her sixties who has put her own life on hold to care for her elderly parents—one battling Alzheimer’s, the other frail and dependent. Through quiet, observational storytelling, the film explores how love and responsibility can blur the boundaries of identity. Premiering at Hot Docs 2025, Heritage invites audiences into an intimate world where sacrifice and selfhood intertwine.
The animated short film The Route, directed by Babak Beigi, has been officially selected for the main competition at the Imaxinaria Animation Festival 2025 in Spain. This marks another milestone for the film, which has already gained recognition on the international festival circuit. Distributed by Raft Films, The Route explores themes of dehumanization and moral responsibility through its dystopian narrative. The festival will take place from March 12 to March 16, 2025, in A Coruña, Spain, bringing together independent animators and industry professionals.
The short animation The Route, written and directed by Babak Beigi, has been named one of the 26 finalists at the prestigious Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2025 (TAAF2025). Scheduled from March 7 to March 10, 2025, in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, this festival is one of the world’s most renowned animation events. Previously showcased at the Tehran International Short Film Festival, Seoul Indie-AniFest, and Animafest Zagreb, The Route was selected from 997 submissions across 70 countries, securing its place in the competitive section.
The success of Cause of Death: Unknown at the 3rd Iranian Film Festival New York is a testament to the film’s profound impact on audiences. Its gripping narrative, coupled with a strong ethical and psychological core, makes it a compelling piece of cinema that transcends cultural boundaries. The film’s ability to spark deep reflections on human nature and morality has resonated with viewers worldwide, further cementing its place in contemporary Iranian cinema.
