Cinema has long been fascinated with the idea that beneath the surface of idyllic suburban life, darker truths often lurk. Holland (2025), directed by Mimi Cave, is another addition to this tradition—a psychological thriller that explores deception, paranoia, and the fragility of trust. With Nicole Kidman leading an impressive cast, the film takes us into the heart of a seemingly peaceful town, where suspicions unravel a sinister reality. While Holland is visually captivating and thematically rich, its execution leaves room for debate. The film teeters between suspense and satire, but does it manage to maintain its delicate balance? In this…
Author: Bijan Tehrani
Bijan Tehrani
Bijan (Hassan) Tehrani Founder and Editor in Chief of Cinema Without Borders, is a film director, writer, and a film critic, his first article appeared in a weekly film publication in Iran 45 years ago. Bijan founded Cinema Without Borders, an online publication dedicated to promotion of international cinema in the US and around the globe, eighteen years ago and still works as its editor in chief. Bijan is has also been a columnist and film critic for the Iranian monthly film related medias for 45 years and during the past 5 years he has been a permanent columnist and film reviewer for Film Emrooz (Film Today), a popular Iranian monthly print film magazine. Bijan has won several awards in international film festivals and book fairs for his short films and children's books as well as for his services to the international cinema. Bijan is a member of Iranian Film Writers Critics Society and International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). He is also an 82nd Golden Globe Awards voter.
PRAGUE: The main award of the 14th East Doc Platform was presented to the Polish project Inner Landscapes by Zofia Sawicka. In all, 19 awards were announced at the biggest industry event for Central and Eastern European documentaries. East Doc Platform took place 13 – 19 March 2025 at the French Institute in Prague, organised by the Institute of Documentary Film in association with the One World Film Festival (12 March – 24 April 2025). FULL LIST OF WINNERS: East Doc Platform Award 2025: Inner Landscapes (Poland) Directed by Zofia Sawicka Produced by Telemark Sp. z o.o. Special Mention: Always Far Away (Slovakia, Czech Republic) Directed by Roman Ďuriš Produced…
In the Shadow of Cypress from Iran wins the OSCAR for the Best Short Animation Film https://youtu.be/7sVmX8EzOkM?si=ebCuYb9FJYNOMy0O In the Shadow of the Cypress has ridden a challenging road to being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short. Made in Iran out of the pockets of directors Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani, the duo found themselves having to deal with the limitations of their budget alongside a lack of governmental support, sanctions imposed on the country and the devaluation of the Iranian currency. Despite these challenges, In the Shadow of the Cypress is a beautiful film that uses gorgeous, geometric 2D animation…
Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani, that their “In the Shadow of the Cyprus” is an Oscar nominee as the Best Short Animated Film, are finally on their way to Los Angeles to attend the OSCARS Ceremony. These two Iranian artists had to wait for long time to get an interview appointment from a US Embassy and then wait for days in MUSCUT, Oman, in order to receive their entry Visas to the US. Finally, on Saturday March 1st they received their visas, just a day before the Oscars ceremony. Will they make it on time? We hope so And lets…
CASH FOR GOLD tells the story of a struggling Army widow who finds work with a Muslim family at Christmas time, facing a secret that could unravel her whole life. Set against the backdrop of Christmas in America’s heartland, CASH FOR GOLD is a poignant feature film about loss, forgiveness, and hope as it follows Grace (Deborah Puette), an Army widow hiding a dark secret and fighting to support herself and her young son (Sawyer Gacka) while clinging to her recent sobriety. With Christmas fast approaching, she takes a job at the local pawn shop owned by the town’s only…
Vazrik Der-sahakian, a devoted Iranian cinephile, is one of the dedicated and accomplished contributors of our time. He has translated numerous significant books on cinema and contemporary world literature into Persian. Vazrik Der-sahakian was born in 1948 in Tehran and spent his childhood and teenage years in southern Khuzestan, in the port city of Ma’shour (Mahshahr), until 1966, when he and his family moved back to Tehran. He obtained his high school diploma in Tehran and then completed his military service. Afterward, he attended the Cinema and Television College, completing a two-year program. He then joined the team of assistants working…
Universal Language, directed by Matthew Rankin, has been selected as Canada’s entry for the Best International Film Award at the Oscars. Given Canada’s rich cinematic history, this choice is both surprising and disappointing. In order to be fair in our judgment, we have also posted a positive review of this film, published at Hollywood Reporter Rankin, known for his amazing experimental approach to filmmaking, seems to have ventured into the realm of absurdist comedy with this film. However, unlike the works of master filmmakers such as Jacques Tati, whose humor is infused with wit and charm, Universal Language falls flat…
From Ground Zero, Palestinian Oscar Entey now Shortlisted for the International Film Oscar, is going to be released on January 3rd in select theaters in the US and is being distributed by Watermelon Pictures. 22 Palestinian filmmakers living through war, capture their lives in Gaza over the past year, revealing stories beyond the headlines. Their work offers a striking view of life’s fragility and the resilience of love in the face of devastation. Palestinian filmmakers participated in Ground Zero are; Reema Mahmoud, Muhammad Al Sharif, Ahmed Hassouna, Islam Al Zeriei, Mustafa Kolab, Nidal Damo, Khamis Masharawi, Bashar Al Balbisi, Tamer…
Ar Cinema Without Borders (thanks to our friend, Shahriar Shafiei Najafabadi, a great Iranian/Austrian composer), we had the opportunity of interviewing the internationally known Austrian filmmaker, the great Marvin Kren on camera. https://vimeo.com/1032641345 Marvin also told us: I have a funny story. I always was fascinated by the life of crooks and criminals. Since I was a little boy. I was fascinated by them. There are people who do forbidden things, which does not mean that I’m glorifying them, it’s just a matter of fascination. My father, who was a very honorable man, a businessman, always made fun of me about…
As an advocate for free speech, I’ve witnessed numerous filmmakers courageously defending this principle by creating films that critique the social and political landscapes of their countries. Unfortunately, many of these filmmakers face dire consequences, such as imprisonment, execution, or exile, as seen in the case of Mohammad Rasoulof. It’s disheartening to observe these recurring injustices in today’s world. However, as a critic, it is essential to continue highlighting the shortcomings in films, even those made by filmmakers under such oppressive circumstances. I was surprised to learn that Germany’s Oscar Committee selected Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”…