Iranian actor Babak Karimi will appear in Balcanica, which will have its world premiere at Venice Days in September. The Italian production will compete in the 23rd Giornate degli Autori program during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The festival will take place in Venice from September 2 to 12, bringing together filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world.
Directed by Nicola Sorcinelli, Balcanica marks the filmmaker’s first feature and explores displacement, freedom, music, and human connection. Meanwhile, the story follows an Afghan orchestra conductor and his son as they travel across the Balkans after leaving Afghanistan.
Karimi plays Nazar, while the story also features his son Jalil, a musician who plays the tuba. Their journey begins after authorities ban music in their homeland, forcing the pair to search for safety and a new future elsewhere.
During their journey, they meet Greta, an Italian doctor whose experiences connect her closely with the two Afghan travelers. As a result, the three characters confront difficult choices while navigating unfamiliar environments and personal challenges.
Italian actress Matilda De Angelis plays Greta and joins Karimi alongside Ivar Wafaei and Giovanni Toscano. De Angelis has built an international career through film and television projects, strengthening the production’s multinational cast.
Furthermore, Berlin-based sales company M-Appeal has secured international distribution rights for Balcanica. The agreement could help the film reach buyers and audiences beyond its European festival launch.
Sorcinelli described the project as a story centered on freedom, personal journeys, and the search for belonging. He also expressed particular satisfaction about presenting his debut feature at Venice Days.
Karimi brings extensive international experience to the production after appearing in around 70 films and television series. His career includes a major role in Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation, which earned him a shared Silver Bear for Best Actor at Berlin in 2011.
Therefore, Balcanica represents another significant international project for Karimi and a major early milestone for Sorcinelli. Its Venice premiere could also create further opportunities for festival recognition, international distribution, and wider audience exposure.
The film’s focus on migration, artistic freedom, and human resilience gives the production broader social relevance. Moreover, its international cast and European setting position Balcanica for attention across the global independent film market.