Blockage

  • 82'
  • Iran
  • 2017

As an enforcement official, Qassem has to combat illegal street hawking in Tehran, but he mainly uses his position to extort money from traders. Now that his boss has noticed and announced his sacking, Qassem has to look for an alternative source of income.
He knows there’s a lot of money in recycling, so he wants to buy a truck using his father-in-law’s bequest as a down-payment. His wife wants to spend the money on a house, so they won’t have to bother her sister’s family any more, but behind her back, Qassem presses on with his risky plan.

In this solo directing debut by Mohsen Gharaei, corruption and hypocrisy set the tone. "Don’t tell anyone I said that" is a regular incantation. The nerve-racking plot development is largely due to Qassem’s impulsive and hot-headed character. He's certainly not the only one who has trouble doing the right thing – even when no one happens to be watching.

 
Director
Mohsen Gharaei
Premiere
European premiere
Country of production
Iran
Year
2017
Festival Edition
IFFR 2018
Length
82'
Medium
DCP
Original title
Sad-e mabar
Language
Farsi
Producer
Bahman Kamyar
Production Company
Iranian Independents
Sales
Iranian Independents
Screenplay
Saeed Roostaie
Cinematography
Morteza Hodaie
Editor
Sepideh Abdolvahab
Sound Design
Hossein Abolsedgh
Music
Reza Mortazavi
Cast
Hamed Behdad, Baran Kosari, Mohsen Kiaei, Nader Fallah, Negar Abedi
Director
Mohsen Gharaei
Premiere
European premiere
Country of production
Iran
Year
2017
Festival Edition
IFFR 2018
Length
82'
Medium
DCP
Original title
Sad-e mabar
Language
Farsi
Producer
Bahman Kamyar
Production Company
Iranian Independents
Sales
Iranian Independents
Screenplay
Saeed Roostaie
Cinematography
Morteza Hodaie
Editor
Sepideh Abdolvahab
Sound Design
Hossein Abolsedgh
Music
Reza Mortazavi
Cast
Hamed Behdad, Baran Kosari, Mohsen Kiaei, Nader Fallah, Negar Abedi

Programme IFFR 2018

Bright Future

A selection of discoveries for the future. Emerging talent with original subject matter and an individual style. Includes the Bright Future Competition for first feature films.

Read more about this programme