Venera Films at Marché du Film Online 2020

YEVA



An Armenian Story



Directed by Anahid Abad

The first-ever film by an Iranian-Armenian female filmmaker

Armenia's Official Submission to the 90th Academy Awards. YEVA, the first ever co-production between the governments Armenia and Iran, is a striking and urgent exploration of shared history, tradition, and the physical borders that can come to define both. Directed by Anahid Abad and featuring a stunning lead performance from Armenian actress Narine Grigoryan. 



DRAMA - 97 min - 2018 - Armenia/Iran

Theatrically released in the US

REGGAE BOYZ



A Jamaican Soccer Story



From the filmmakers of THE IRAN JOB and WHEN GOD SLEEPS



Directed by Till Schauder

Produced by Sara Nodjoumi

Plagued with one of the highest murder rates in the world, Jamaica tries to inspire its populace by qualifying their national soccer team – the “Reggae Boyz” – for the World Cup. When their efforts start to fall short, a colorful German coach enters the scene and forms an unlikely alliance with legendary reggae musicians and a Rastafarian factory worker to unite Jamaica beyond the soccer pitch. 



70 min - DOC - 2018 - USA/Germany/Jamaica

Best Audience Award at Brooklyn Film Festival

PLATFORM



A Female Fight Story



Directed by Sahar Mosayebi

Produced by Mahtabd Keramati and Tahoora Abolghasemii

A ROCKY-esque tale of determination and grit, PLATFORM follows of three Iranian sisters as they compete to become international champions of Wushu, a Chinese martial art. The sisters thrilling underdog story explores not only their dedicated training, but also their surprising place in society as they challenge traditional gender roles on the path to success.



DOC - 87 min - 2019 - Iran

Best Discovery Award at Raindance Film Festival

GRACEFULLY



An Iranian Drag Queen Story



Directed by Arash Es'haghi

Produced by Tala Azad Ravesh

"I’ve been wishing to dance on the stage for 30-40 years. But everywhere is a stage for the one who wants to dance."

Gacefully offers a tender and moving portrait of an 80-year-old man who in his youth was known for traditional dancing at local ceremonies and celebrations dressed as a woman, and now works as a farmer. Since 1979, dancing publicly is forbidden in Iran, and for women and trans people, particularly sinful. Throughout the film, our protagonist finds discreet opportunities in which to dance: to express his art, in pursuit of happiness, and as an act of resistance.

 DOC - 60 min - 2019 - Iran

Best Director at Yamagata Documentary Film Festival 2019

Official Selection at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2020