07/11/2024

Premiere in Cologne

“Critical Zone” celebrated its German premiere in Cologne

On the evening of November 6, the audience at the Odeon in Cologne experienced a moving premiere of the award-winning film “Critical Zone”. The film, which captivated the audience with its vivid portrayal of reality in Iran, offered a deep insight into life and the challenges of today's Tehran. In addition to the film, the premiere evening itself was also characterized by intensive encounters and intercultural exchange.

Distribution manager Stephan Winkler (W-FIM) welcomed Mina Hasanlou, who had traveled to Tehran especially for the premiere. In the discussions that followed, moderated by Amin Farzanefar (Visions of Iran), it became clear how great the need for exchange is within this diaspora community. Many viewers with an Iranian background, some of whom have lived in Germany for decades, were surprised by the depictions in the film, as they probably had a romanticized image of Iran in their heads. When Mina Hasanlou asked when an audience member had last been to Iran, the answer was: “30 years ago.”

Hasanlou spoke passionately about her role and the message of the film, which is the first Iranian film to convey an authentic picture of social reality in Iran. She described how the female characters in the film - representatives of different lives and destinies - show the diversity and challenges of Iranian women.

Hasanlou emphasized that the portrayal of the omnipresent lack of prospects and drug trafficking is not only realistic, but also “deeply human” - a picture of a society on the edge of resilience.

The theatrical release on November 7, 2024 was supported by the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW and the World Cinema Fund.

Actress Mina Hasanlou on a movie tour

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the film on one of these dates and be part of an intense and inspiring evening.