Iranian director brings film legends together

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

(L to R) Behrouz Vossoughi, Monica Bellucci, Bahman Ghobadi, Belçim Bilgin and Arash Labaf pose at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. AP photo

Iranian director Bahman Ghobadi’a latest film “Rhino Season,” which was shot in Turkey, will be released in the country Oct. 26. The film stars world-renown actress Monica Belluci and Behrouz Vossoughi along with Turkish actors Yılmaz Erdoğan, Caner Cindoruk, Beren Saat, Belçim Bilgin and Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan.

“Rhino Season” marks Iranian actor Vossoughi’s return to the silver screen after 35 years. The legendary actor escaped to the United States from Iran four months before the Iranian Islamic Revolution began and has not appeared in a film in 35 years.

Based on true events, the film depicts the life of Iranian poet Sahel Farzan, who was released after 30 years of imprisonment in Iran.

After his release Sahel set out to find his wife, who had been informed by the authorities that Sahel was dead and decided to move leave Iran for Istanbul with her children.

The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, held from Sept. 6 and 16, and has been well received by international media. “Rhino Season” will also be screened at the San Sebastian Film Festival.