3 days ago
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Karlovy Vary IFF adds Iranian film ‘Bidad' as final Crystal Globe Competition title
The film tells the story of young singer Seti who refuses to accept the fact that women in Iran are not allowed to perform in public.
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has announced that Iranian feature Bidad, directed by Soheil Beiraghi, will complete the line-up for its main Crystal Globe Competition. This brings the total number of competing films to 12.
When the festival first revealed its official selection in early June, organisers disclosed that an Iranian title will join the competition but withheld its identity to protect the safety of the film's director and crew. In a statement, the festival explained that the secrecy was necessary until Beiraghi and his team could leave Iran without risk of repercussions.
Bidad, which will have its world premiere at Karlovy Vary, follows the story of Seti, a young singer who refuses to accept Iran's ban on women performing publicly. Defying religious laws, she takes her music to the streets, where her performances quickly resonate with a younger generation determined to challenge the country's repressive rules. As her popularity grows, Seti becomes a symbol of resistance and hope.
Beiraghi created the film independently, acknowledging that it will not have passed Iranian censorship due to its critical portrayal of the regime. Despite working outside the official system, he was still investigated by authorities while making the film.
The festival expressed relief and excitement after receiving confirmation just days ago that Beiraghi and his team were safely en route to Europe. Now free to share the film publicly, Karlovy Vary has unveiled Bidad as the final entry in this year's competition slate.
Bidad marks Beiraghi's fourth feature, following Me (2016), Cold Sweat (2018) and Unpopular (2020). He will personally present the premiere during the festival.
