February kicks off with the 2nd Athens-Iran Film Festival, a unique cinematic event celebrating contemporary Iranian cinema. From February 1 to 5, five acclaimed Iranian films will make their nationwide premiere at Studio New Star Art Cinema in Athens.

Organized by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Athens in collaboration with Studio New Star Art Cinema, this festival offers free admission to all screenings, making it accessible to everyone. Each film will feature both Greek and English subtitles, ensuring an inclusive experience for diverse audiences.

The festival’s inauguration will include a speech by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Malek Hossein Givzad.

The 2nd Athens-Iran Film Festival Program

Saturday, February 1 | 19:00

No Prior Appointment (Dir. Behrouz Shoaybi, 2022) | Drama | 1h 55m
Yasmin, an Iranian immigrant working as a doctor in Germany, must return to Iran with her six-year-old autistic son following the sudden death of her father. The film premiered in September 2022 at the Vancouver International Film Festival and was honored by the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO for its sensitive portrayal of autism.

Sunday, February 2 | 19:00

In the Arms of the Tree (Dir. Babak Khajehpasha, 2023) | Drama | 1h 28m
Iran’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, this film explores the upheaval in the lives of Kimia and Farid, a couple married for 12 years, and the impact of their crisis on their children, whose lives are rooted in innocence and kindness.

Monday, February 3 | 19:00

Captain (Dir. Mohammad Hamzei, 2023) | Drama | 1h 29m
Eleven-year-old Isa dreams of playing for the Iranian national football team, even though he lives in a hospital’s cancer ward and grows weaker with every treatment. With his friend Ali, Isa plans to achieve his dream far from the watchful eyes of doctors and nurses—before Ali faces a major operation.

Tuesday, February 4 | 19:00

Sima’s Unfinished Narration (Dir. Alireza Samadi, 2023) | Drama | 1h 30m
Dr. Arash Simin leads a successful life until a piece of news on social media turns his world upside down, forcing him to confront challenges and fight back against his adversaries.

Wednesday, February 5 | 19:00

Fragrant (Dir. Hadi Moghadamdoost, 2023) | Drama | 1h 48m
A vulnerable, introspective man is forced to confront his life and the weight of his obligations in this poignant exploration of human resilience.

All screenings will begin at 7:00 PM at Studio New Star Art Cinema (Stavropoulou 33, Athens, 112 52).