Azheh

Short Synopsis:
A young boy, living with an old woman in a remote border village, decides to honor her final wish after her death. She had asked to be buried in her birthplace—on the other side of the border. The boy repairs an old coffin, and with the help of a mad boy from the village, exhumes her body. Together, they lift the coffin and make their way to the river that separates the two lands.
At dawn, the boy carries the coffin across the river—taking her home.

Director’s Statement:
According to treaties signed during the Qajar era, the Talesh people were divided into two parts. This separation and sense of loss became a central theme in many of the region’s stories, music, and folklore—often sorrowful, centered around longing for loved ones. The idea of being away from one’s homeland was inspired by this historical event.
The Talesh people, living in highlands surrounded by mountains and forests, have a deep respect for nature. Silence is an inseparable part of their way of life.
They believe that humans are not the masters of nature, but rather its shepherds. That’s why both nature and its animals are held in great reverence.
Another aspect that stood out to me was their perspective on events. The Talesh people tend to remain distant from occurrences, watching in silence rather than intervening. Because of this, I tried to use long shots—focusing more on observing than endorsing any one perspective.
For me, creating a space that I knew intimately was very important. My goal was to convey the feeling and atmosphere of the people of this region—their interaction with nature and the harshness of their environment, without any judgment.

Categories: Drama, Mystery