‘Melbourne’ to go on Japanese screen

Iranian director Nima Javidi’s debut feature-length film Melbourne has been selected to contend for awards at the 27th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF).

The film, as Iran’s only representative at the festival, will be vying at the Competition section of the event.

Javidi’s creation is scheduled to have three screening programs at Japan’s movie theaters during the festival.

Melbourne chronicles the story of a young couple on their way to the eponymous Australian city to continue their education. But just a few hours before their departure, they become involved in a tragic event.

The film has recently received critical acclaim at the 71st Venice International Film Festival in Italy. The movie experienced its international premiere at the festival.

Javidi’s drama opened Critics’ Week section of this year’s Venice film festival and had several screening programs, out of competition.

“Some international critics participated in the festival believe that Melbourne conjures up the mood and tone of the British film director Alfred Hitchcock’s works,” said Javidi.

“The renowned film distribution company Microcinema purchased the film’s world distributing right,” he also noted.

Melbourne was also screened at the 10th edition of Zurich international Film festival few days ago.

The 27th Tokyo International Film Festival will take place from October 23 through 31, 2014.

Iranian filmmaker Behnam Behzadi’s Bending The Rule received  the Special Jury Award at the last year’s edition of Tokyo International Film Festival.

FGP/FGP