TEHRAN, Iran – Aliyar Rasti, a talented Iranian filmmaker, achieved a remarkable feat at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. His debut feature film, “The Great Yawn of History,” won the prestigious Special Jury Award in the Encounters Competition Section. It shared the honor with Qiu Yang’s “Some Rain Must Fall” from China. Rasti’s film premiered at the 2024 Berlinale, marking a significant milestone in his career.
“The Great Yawn of History” takes viewers on a captivating journey through the Iranian landscape. The story revolves around a man who dreams of discovering a box of gold hidden at the end of a cave. Constrained by his religious beliefs, which forbid him from pursuing the treasure himself, he enlists the help of a non-believer. Together, they embark on a quest that proves not only tempting for themselves but also for the people they encounter along the way.
The film boasts an exceptional cast, including Mohammad Aghebati, Amirhossein Hosseini, Saber Abar, Mahin Sadri, and Mehrdad Ziaei. Rasti’s skillful direction and writing bring a compelling blend of faith, disillusionment, and humor to the unfolding narrative. The religiously devout Beitollah, portrayed by Aghebati, grapples with his convictions, while Shoja, played by Hosseini, represents a disillusioned youth, struggling against societal pressures.
Rasti’s precise attention to detail and the nuanced performances of Aghebati and Hosseini create a captivating experience for the audience. Beitollah’s doubts about his faith and Shoja’s disconnection from the modern world gradually unravel, unveiling complex layers within their characters. The journey from Tehran to the rural landscape becomes a metaphorical exploration of spirituality and human vulnerability.
Born in Tehran, Rasti initially embarked on a career in photography, video, and video installations before finding his true calling in filmmaking. He has already garnered recognition for his talent, having produced music videos for independent Iranian bands that screened at various festivals. Rasti’s short films, “In Between” and “America,” also received accolades at international film festivals.
“The Great Yawn of History” has caught the attention of Heretic, an Athens-based boutique production and sales company, which acquired the world sales rights to the film. Ioanna Stais, Heretic’s head of sales and acquisitions, commended Rasti’s debut for its adept navigation of the intricacies between faith and human frailty. Stais expressed excitement about showcasing the film to a wider audience, emphasizing Rasti’s poetic commentary and its profound impact.
Aliyar Rasti’s exceptional talent as a filmmaker shines through in “The Great Yawn of History.” With its thought-provoking themes and compelling performances, the film captivates viewers, inviting them to reflect on the complexities of faith, disillusionment, and the human experience. As Rasti continues to make his mark in the world of cinema, audiences eagerly anticipate his future projects that promise to engage, challenge, and inspire.