For Rana, directed by Iman Yazdi, is a film that centers on a family struggling with the urgent need for a heart transplant for their daughter. Through this heartbreaking story, the director skillfully explores the myriad of peripheral issues that arise in the wake of such a crisis, shedding light on the emotional and social dimensions surrounding a dire health condition.
In the narrative, the father (played by Hamed Behad) and mother (Pantea Panahiha) are present, and although the father is not the biological parent of the daughter, the main character loves and cares for her as if she were his own. His occupation revolves around extreme sports, particularly showcasing his motorcycle skills in a manner that captivates audiences and connects him with a circus-like ensemble. While this profession may not be financially rewarding, it is one in which he excels and finds joy.
However, the situation takes a turn for the worse when the daughter’s condition is suggested to deteriorate due to the stress of accompanying the protagonist on his practice routes.
The doctors deliver the heart-wrenching news to the parents: their daughter’s condition is critical and she urgently needs a heart transplant. The only potential donor is an elderly man on life support, setting off a chain of troubling events. When the parents approach a woman who appears to be the man’s partner (the antagonist played by Hediyeh Bazvand), pleading for consent to use his heart to save their daughter, she reacts with hysterical anger. Initially, it seems she is fiercely protective of the old man, but it soon becomes clear that her outburst is driven by complex legal entanglements and financial issues associated with him.
As tensions escalate, the man’s son arrives on the scene (Payam Ahmadinia). Surprisingly, he agrees to allow the transplant, but only in exchange for a staggering 1.5 million toman—an amount the desperate parents cry is unattainable, even if they sold everything they owned.
However, the journey unfolds not solely through solicitation, but through the generous and voluntary contributions of friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and even those from whom one has been estranged. This film beautifully illustrates the profound generosity of the broader community in this culture, which stands as its pinnacle.
In times of tragedy, this community comes together to uplift and support one another.
The director, however, is not here to deliver a fairy tale story. He adopts a realist approach, illuminating how urgent financial crises can fracture family bonds. As the husband and wife face their struggles, tensions escalate to the point where they hurl hurtful words at one another—expressions of anger that even the most sincere apologies and regrets can hardly mend. These extreme statements, laden with deep-seated accusations, erupt with a raw intensity born of profound helplessness.
What makes the film particularly powerful is its portrayal of a universal issue that transcends specific political or religious contexts. It illustrates how crises can simultaneously unite and divide individuals, highlighting the complexity of human relationships in the face of adversity.
The film made its world premiere ‘in competition’ at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea. We wish it every success, as it is a profoundly moving work.
The director attended the post-screening Q&A and emphasized the importance of family that extends beyond blood ties, as revealed in the ending, which we will not spoil. Many audience members expressed their respect and intrigue as countless questions for the filmmaker poured in until the session concluded.
While the film featured an outstanding cast, Panahiha infused her role with such raw desperation that her cries and pleas evoked abject sorrow, making it impossible not to shed tears in response to her overwhelming anguish.
(Video below: In Farsi with Korean translation, director Iman Yazdi discusses the significance of the protagonists’ profession within the narrative. While it initially triggers the character’s health issue, it ultimately becomes an avenue for sacrifice. Moreover, he discusses the relationships which transcend blood ties… A beautifully articulated sentiment!)
Director Iman YAZDI
Producer Morteza SHAYSTEH
Cast Hamed BEHDAD
Pantea PANAHIHA
Screenplay Hossein MAHKAM
Cinematography Roozbeh RAYGA
Production Design SAMAN DELSHAD
Editor SAMANEH SEZAVAR
World Selles: Madakto Pictures
World Premiere of Iman Yazdi’s “For Rana” – Busan International Film Festival 2024 – Montage Review
