Ajyal Film Festival 2024

Requiem for a Tribe

Ajyal Competition - Ajyal Film Festival 2024

Marjan Khosravi / Iran, Spain, Qatar / 2024 / 71 min / Unknown / Apple Pro Res 422 / In Persian / Arabic, English subtitles
Themes: Documentary
Rated: Mature subject matter. May not be suitable for minors. Individuals under the age of 15 are not admitted into cinemas

Description

In ‘Requiem for a Tribe’, director Marjan Khosravi paints a powerful and poignant portrait of Hajar, a resilient 55-year-old woman from Iran’s Bakhtiari nomadic tribe. Hajar’s world is rapidly changing: her family, influenced by the pressures of modern life, urges her to abandon the nomadic way of life and settle in the city. However, Hajar is not ready to give up her deep connection to nature, her flock of sheep, or her freedom. Through Hajar’s struggle, the film captures broader social issues like increasing urbanisation, patriarchal control, and the effects of climate change on traditional lifestyles.

The film’s narrative resonates deeply due to Khosravi's personal background as a Bakhtiari herself. It presents an intimate and compassionate exploration of the sacrifices nomadic women are expected to make in the face of modernity. Shot over several years, ‘Requiem for a Tribe’ not only highlights the emotional and physical struggles of Hajar but also becomes a testament to the fading traditions of nomadic life in Iran. This documentary, supported by major international film funds, such as the Hot Docs CrossCurrents Fund and Doha Film Institute, is a compelling reflection on identity, survival, and the cost of progress.

Director

Marjan Khosravi

Marjan Khosravi is an award-winning Iranian filmmaker whose work focuses on the intersection of tradition, women’s rights, and modernity. Her first mid-length documentary, ‘The Snow Calls,’ won the Best Feature Documentary award at Big Sky IDFF. Khosravi has since created a series of impactful documentaries, including ‘The Dream of a Horse’ and ‘Mrs. Iran’s Husband,’ both of which received critical acclaim at major international film festivals. In 2024, she premiered her first feature documentary, ‘Requiem for a Tribe,’ which reflects her deep connection to her Bakhtiari heritage.

Credits

Screenwriter

Marjan Khosravi, Milad Khosravi

Producer

Milad Khosravi, Stephanie von Lukowicz

Cinematographer

Mehdi Azadi

Editor

Loghman Sokhanvar

Music

Mehdi Khosravi

Cast

Hajar Faramarzi

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