IFFI showcases ‘For Rana’ and ‘The New Year That Never Came’

Panaji: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) unveiled two remarkable films that have captured global attention. The Iranian thriller ‘For Rana’ is contending for the prestigious ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal, while the Romanian tragicomedy ‘The New Year That Never Came’ is competing in the International Competition category. Both films deliver compelling narratives of resilience, sacrifice, and the influence of history and society.

‘For Rana’: A story of struggle and choices

Directed by Iman Yazdi, ‘For Rana’ delves into the challenges faced by the middle class, exploring how societal pressures shape individual choices. Yazdi, speaking at IFFI, emphasized the emotional depth of the father-son relationship at the film’s core. “The thriller genre allowed us to portray the tension and complexity of these relationships,” he said. Yazdi also praised Indian audiences for their deep appreciation of cinema, noting their excitement and engagement with his film.

‘The New Year That Never Came’: Revolution and irony

Romanian director Bogdan Muresanu brings history to life with ‘The New Year That Never Came’, a tragicomedy set during the televised Romanian Revolution. Muresanu shared the challenges of crafting a period drama, emphasizing the extensive research required. He expressed fascination with the irony of historical events, which motivated him to create the film. Reflecting on the universality of cinema, he remarked, “Films provide a shared language, bridging cultures and fostering understanding.”

IFFI: A platform for global storytelling

As a showcase for diverse cinematic voices, IFFI continues to bring powerful stories to the forefront. Films like ‘For Rana’ and ‘The New Year That Never Came’ exemplify the festival’s commitment to exploring profound themes and connecting audiences worldwide through the art of storytelling.