The Cinematheque

Vancouver Premiere

“[Demonstrates] how global changes in society reach all the way to the rural areas of Iran.”

Dayela Valenzuela, DOK.fest München

Iranian documentarian Jafar Najafi’s second feature-length work delves into the hidden drama of 14-year-old Amir and his family. After his father’s death, Amir shoulders the responsibility for his mother and 12-year-old twin sisters. The film focuses on his efforts to liberate his siblings from the shackles of tradition, showcasing the intense care and attention he devotes to their well-being. Alone premiered in the Giornate section at Venice before earning competition spots at the Munich International Documentary Festival (DOK.fest München) and Switzerland’s Black Movie Film Festival. It resumes Najafi’s interest in rural Iranian childhoods, last explored in his acclaimed documentary short Asho, winner of Best Children’s Documentary at IDFA 2019.

In Farsi with English subtitles

Video introduction by Alone director Jafar Najafi. Post-screening audience discussion moderated by PELAN.