Alireza Khatami and Ali Asgari‘s “Terrestrial Verses,” the sole Iranian film which premiered in Cannes’ official selection, has been acquired by KimStim for North American distribution. The movie, represented in international markets by Films Boutique, will soon play at U.S. festivals, including Chicago, Mill Valley and AFI Fest.
A satire of the Iranian regime, “Terrestrial Verses” follows everyday people from all walks of life as they navigate the cultural, religious and institutional constraints imposed on them by various social authorities, from school teachers to bureaucrats.
“We were struck by the film’s intelligence, thought-provoking ideas and elegant commentary on the experiences of ordinary citizens in Iran,” said Ian Stimmler, KimStim’s co-president. “The film will surely provoke spirited conversations with its dark sense of humor and its depiction of the cultural and religious constraints placed on everyday people there, especially women,” Stimmler continued.
Asgari, who attended the Cannes Film Festival to present the movie, was recently banned by Iranian authorities from directing movies and leaving the country until further notice. Upon returning to Iran from Cannes, Asgari had his passport confiscated by the local authorities to prevent him from attending further international festivals.
Films Boutique has sold the film to a raft of territories, including France (ARP) Benelux (September), Germany (Neue Visionen), Brazil (Imovision), Switzerland (Filmcoopi), Italy (Academy Two), Taiwan (Flash Forward), Turkey (Mars Production) and Indonesia (Falcon).
KimStim’s slate of international movies include Mikhael Hers’ “Les passagers de la nuit,” Cyril Schäublin’s “Unrest” and “The Tsuga Diaries” by Maureen Fazendeiro and Miguel Gomes.