Iran officially selected Babak Khajehpasha’s drama film Land of Angels as its submission for the 99th Academy Awards. The acclaimed feature will compete in the Best International Feature Film category, representing Iranian cinema globally. This selection marks the second time director Khajehpasha has represented his country on the global Oscar stage. Previously, his debut feature project, In the Arms of the Tree, represented Iran during the 2025 competition.
The dramatic narrative addresses the severe impact of war on vulnerable civilians, focusing primarily on Palestinian children. Writer and director Khajehpasha developed the story, while veteran filmmaker Manouchehr Mohammadi served as the official producer. Additionally, the Tasvir-e Shahr Institute collaborated with the Soureh Cinema Center to co-produce the project. The production cast Arab performers to depict the realistic struggles, fears, and hopes experienced during wartime conditions.
Rather than emphasizing geopolitical maneuvers, the narrative explores deeply human perspectives during severe armed conflict. The plot focuses on a protective woman attempting to safeguard young children from surrounding military dangers. Furthermore, principal photography took place over 18 months at production facilities in Tehran. Following successful domestic screenings, the movie launched its international festival tour at the Kazan International Film Festival.
Subsequent global screenings earned the production the prestigious Grand Prix honor at the Altyn Minbar Film Festival. Moreover, the feature dominated Iran’s 44th Fajr International Film Festival by winning five major Crystal Simorgh awards. Director Khajehpasha received the special jury directing prize, while Syrian actress Sulaf Fawakherji earned acting recognition. Thus, domestic success and strong festival momentum positioned the drama favorably among international selection committee members.
Looking ahead, the Academy plans to announce its official International Feature Film shortlist in mid-December. Fifteen competing films from around the world will advance through subsequent voting rounds before the final nominations are announced in January. Ultimately, global film enthusiasts look forward to the 99th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 2027. Iranian cinematic leaders anticipate that this human-centered narrative will resonate with voting members worldwide.