TEHRAN- “In the Arms of the Tree” by Iranian director Babak Khajepasha will go on screen at the main section of the 10th edition of Asian World Film Festival (AWFF), which will be held in Culver City, California, the U.S.

The film follows the struggles of an entrepreneurial family on the verge of collapse. At the heart of the story is Kimia, a northern mother grappling with the trauma of past abuse and a debilitating fear of distance. Her husband, Farid, an Azeri father with a passion for travel and medicinal plants, adds to the tension as the couple prepares for a separation exercise. 

As Kimia and Farid’s relationship deteriorates, their two sons, 11-year-old Taha and his five-year-old brother Alisan, become unlikely heroes in this emotional turmoil. Taha, deeply caring and protective, is determined to shield Alisan from the fallout of their parents’ crises. The boys’ strong bond and friendship serve as a beacon of hope amid the tumult, highlighting the innocence of childhood and the power of familial love in the face of adversity. 

The film captures the impact of marital discord on children, illustrating how their lives can be disturbed by their parents’ struggles. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of love, connection, and the delicate balance needed to preserve a family in crisis.

Maral Baniadam, Javad Ghamati, Rouhollah Zamani, Ahoura Lotfi, and Rayan Lotfi are in the cast among others.

Back in September, “In the Arms of the Tree” was officially chosen to represent Iran at the 2025 Academy Awards.

A production of 2023, the film won two Crystal Simorgh awards for Best First Film and Best Screenplay upon its premiere at the 41st Fajr Film Festival.

Moreover, it was named the best film in the international section of the first edition of Iran’s Havva International Film Festival in 2023.

The movie has been screened in several international festivals in countries such as China, Switzerland, and the UAE. In September, “In the Arms of the Tree” opened the Kazan International Film Festival Altyn Minbar in Russia.

The Asian World Film Festival is committed to uplifting and showcasing the artistry of filmmakers across Asia, as well as Asian, Asian-American, and multiracial Asian creators worldwide. Its mission is to highlight the rich tapestry of voices within the Asian filmmaking community and to provide a platform for their creative expression. AWFF brings a curated selection of outstanding Asian cinema to the U.S., aiming to enhance the visibility of the region’s talented filmmakers and to foster connections between the Asian film industry and Hollywood. 

By promoting cross-cultural collaboration, the festival presents films from over 50 countries across Asia, ranging from Turkey to Japan and Russia to India.

The festival also focuses on screening films that have been submitted for the Oscars and Golden Globe Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. 

The Asian World Film Festival will run from November 13 to 21. 

SAB/