“Critical Zone (Mantagheye Bohrani)”, interview with Sina Ataeian Dena

Critical Zone (Mantagheye Bohrani) is a compelling and engaging drama film, directed by the talented filmmaker Ali Ahmadzadeh. This thrilling movie, a co-production between Iran and Germany, was presented in the International Competition at the Locarno Film Festival. With its 99-minute runtime, it was filmed in the original Persian language with English and French subtitles.

However, behind the creation of every great film, there is always a producer who plays a crucial role in bringing the director’s vision to the big screen. In our exclusive interview with producer Sina Ataeian Dena, we had the opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes of “Critical Zone (Mantagheye Bohrani)” and discover the key role of the producer in making this project possible.

The film’s story is set in Iran and was shot without permission from the authorities prior to the “Woman, Life, Freedom” revolution. The film is a powerful reflection of the anger and frustration of the young generation of Iranians, with the story following the character of Amir, guided by his GPS voice, as he navigates the underbelly of Tehran to bring solace to tormented souls of the night.

Director Ali Ahmadzadeh made a courageous choice by deciding to work with real people instead of professional actors. This decision made the film even more authentic and engaging, but it also drew the attention of the Iranian security ministry, putting pressure on the director.

Reportedly, Ali Ahmadzadeh was denied a visa to attend the Locarno festival and was prevented from leaving Iran. Luxbox, the production company, and Sina Ataeian Dena, the producer, received threats to withdraw the film from the screening. This case is a stark example of the struggle for freedom of expression in cinema and the challenge that artists must face in sharing their visions and stories with the world.

Despite the threats and pressures, the director and producer are determined to carry on with the project and showcase the film to the audience. The artistic director of the Locarno festival, Giona Nazzaro, expressed the festival’s support for freedom of expression and called for the respect of Ali Ahmadzadeh’s physical and mental integrity as a human being and artist.

During the exclusive interview with Sina Ataeian Dena, the producer unveiled the inspiration behind the film and the decision to work with real people instead of professional actors. The creative process was guided by a rebellion against prohibitions and restrictions, with the need to hide the camera and find creative solutions to shoot the film.

Sound and the soundtrack played a significant role in the film, and Ali Ahmadzadeh emphasized the importance of sound design and audio mixing in conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

“Critical Zone (Mantagheye Bohrani)” has received widespread acclaim from critics, and the director considers being able to show it to the audience as an even greater victory.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about “Critical Zone (Mantagheye Bohrani)” directly from the words of producer Sina Ataeian Dena. Read and listen to the full interview to dive into the behind-the-scenes of this exciting film and discover how the passion for freedom of expression guided the team behind this extraordinary cinematic production.

Plot