About Movie (Summary)
"Shahid" is an 84-minute political drama and comedy documentary directed by Narges Kalhor. It is a personal film that questions radical ideologies with a blend of drama and humor. The film follows director Narges Shahid Kalhor, who no longer wants to be called "Shahid" (martyr) as her surname and casts an actress to change her family name. Suddenly, her great-grandfather appears, a man declared a martyr in Iran a century ago, seeking to stop her plan. The film blends reality, fiction, theatre, and musical elements, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and the struggle to reconcile the past and present.
Plot Summary
Director Narges Shahid Kalhor decides to cast an actress to play herself in a film about changing her surname "Shahid" (martyr), a name she no longer wishes to carry. This decision brings forth a bizarre encounter with her great-grandfather, a figure from a century past who was declared a martyr in Iran and bestowed the honorific "Shahid" upon his descendants. He materializes to prevent his great-granddaughter from altering their family name. As temporal layers intertwine, a tense conflict arises between the director and the actress portraying her. The film's format fluidly shifts between reality, fiction, theatrical staging, and musical interludes, yet everyone's intentions are thwarted. Bureaucracy becomes an obstacle for the director, the actress struggles with the director's demands, and the great-grandfather clashes with his descendant's determination. Ultimately, the film itself seems to falter on its initial premise. Throughout this narrative, "Shahid" questions various forms of radical ideologies, all while maintaining a degree of self-awareness and humor. It is a personal exploration of navigating the complexities of heritage, the present, and self-identity.
Director's Vision
Narges Kalhor's vision for "Shahid" is to create a film that is both a political drama and a desperate comedy, deeply personal yet broadly questioning of radical ideologies. She aims to explore the balancing act of coming to terms with the past, present, and one's own self through a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Her directorial approach incorporates elements of theatre and musical, creating a multi-layered film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Kalhor uses her personal story to examine larger themes of identity, tradition, and the impact of historical narratives on individual lives.
Themes
Identity and Surname: The film directly tackles the complexities of personal identity tied to a surname loaded with historical and ideological weight ("Shahid" meaning martyr). It explores the desire to redefine oneself against familial and societal expectations.
Clash of Generations: The unexpected appearance of the great-grandfather and his conflict with Narges highlights the tension between past and present values, traditions, and individual will.
Radical Ideologies: "Shahid" questions various forms of radical ideologies, prompting viewers to consider the impacts and legacies of such beliefs on personal and collective histories.
Bureaucracy and Obstacles: The film portrays the frustrations of navigating bureaucratic systems, which become a tangible obstacle in Narges's personal quest, reflecting real-world challenges in enacting personal change within larger structures.
Reality and Fiction: By blending documentary and fictional elements, "Shahid" blurs the lines between what is real and constructed, questioning the nature of truth, memory, and cinematic representation itself.
Personal vs. Historical Narrative: The film juxtaposes personal family history with broader historical and political narratives, examining how individual lives are intertwined with and shaped by larger historical forces.
Key Success Factors
Unique Blend of Genres: The film's ability to merge political drama with comedy and documentary elements creates a distinctive and engaging viewing experience.
Personal and Autobiographical Approach: Narges Kalhor's deeply personal narrative and willingness to question her own identity and family history resonate with audiences.
Innovative Format: The film's shifting formats between reality, fiction, theatre, and musical elements keep the narrative dynamic and unpredictable.
Thought-Provoking Questions: "Shahid" raises important questions about identity, ideology, tradition, and the struggle for self-definition in the face of historical legacies.
Strong Performances: The performances effectively navigate the film's blend of genres, bringing authenticity and humor to the complex narrative.
Summary (Short)
"Shahid" is an 84-minute documentary blending comedy and drama, directed by Narges Kalhor. It follows her attempt to shed her surname "Shahid," leading to a confrontation with her martyred great-grandfather. The film questions radical ideologies and explores identity, tradition, and personal history with a mix of reality and fiction.
Awards and Nominations
"Shahid" has received 2 wins and 2 nominations.
2025 German Film Critics Association Awards
Nominated for German Film Critics Award, Best Film (Narges Kalhor)
2024 Berlin International Film Festival
Won, Caligari Film Award (Narges Kalhor)
Nominated for GWFF Best First Feature Award (Narges Kalhor)
Won, C.I.C.A.E. Award, Forum (Narges Kalhor)
Critics Reception
Critics' reception for "Shahid" is positive, highlighting its innovative approach and thought-provoking themes.
Variety: The review in Variety emphasizes the film's intimate and personal storytelling, its nuanced exploration of memory and identity, and its success in merging personal and political narratives.
Berlinale Film Festival Website: The Berlinale website's placement of "Shahid" in the "Forum Expanded" section signals critical recognition of its experimental and politically engaged nature.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics appreciate "Shahid" as a poignant and innovative documentary that successfully blends genres to explore complex themes of identity, memory, and ideology. The film is praised for its personal approach, thought-provoking questions, and artistic experimentation.
Production
"Shahid" is a production of Das kleine Fernsehspiel (ZDF) and Michael Kalb Filmproduktion, filmed in Bavaria Studios and a studio near Wiesbaden, Germany, between April 18, 2023, and May 24, 2023. The film utilized services from Medias Reiseservice, Oasys Digital (post-production), Teamwork-Filmservice, Vantage Film (camera equipment), and polizeiteam.de (police services).
Production Companies
Das kleine Fernsehspiel (ZDF) [DE]
Michael Kalb Filmproduktion [DE]
Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) [DE]
Distribution Companies
Michael Kalb Filmproduktion [DE] (Germany - Theatrical) (2024)
Filmotor [CZ] (World-wide - All media) (2024)
Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) [DE] (Germany - TV) (2024)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30808146/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/456945/
About movie: https://michael-kalb.de/portfolio/shahid/
Link to watch: https://www.filmin.es/pelicula/shahid (Spain)
Why to Watch This Movie
"Shahid" is a highly recommended film for viewers who appreciate:
Unique and Genre-Bending Documentary: The film offers a distinctive cinematic experience by blending documentary, drama, and comedic elements in an innovative way.
Intelligent and Thought-Provoking Content: It raises pertinent questions about identity, ideology, and the influence of history on personal lives, encouraging viewers to reflect on these complex themes.
Personal and Engaging Storytelling: Narges Kalhor's autobiographical approach creates a deeply personal and emotionally resonant narrative that is both specific and universally relatable.
Artistic and Experimental Filmmaking: The film demonstrates a creative and experimental approach to documentary filmmaking, utilizing diverse formats and styles to enhance its storytelling.
Cultural and Historical Insights: "Shahid" provides valuable insights into Iranian history, culture, and the diaspora experience, offering a nuanced perspective on these topics.
What Movie Trend Film Is Following
Hybrid Documentary: "Shahid" exemplifies the trend of hybrid documentaries that blend traditional documentary filmmaking with fictional, performative, and experimental elements.
Summary: Hybrid documentaries push the boundaries of the documentary genre by incorporating diverse cinematic techniques and narrative strategies. They often mix personal storytelling with broader social or political commentary, creating layered and multifaceted films that challenge conventional documentary forms.
What Big Social Trend Is Following
Identity Politics and Personal Narrative in Film: "Shahid" aligns with the social trend of exploring identity politics and personal narratives within contemporary cinema.
Summary: There is a growing trend in filmmaking towards centering personal stories and experiences as a means to explore larger social and political issues related to identity, culture, and historical context. Films like "Shahid" contribute to this trend by using individual narratives to illuminate broader societal themes and encourage dialogue around identity and belonging.
Final Verdict
"Shahid" (2024) is an exceptional and thought-provoking hybrid documentary that showcases Narges Kalhor's innovative filmmaking and deeply personal storytelling. Its strength lies in its genre-bending approach, intelligent exploration of complex themes, and its ability to blend personal narrative with broader social and political questions. With positive critical reception and awards from prestigious festivals, "Shahid" is a must-watch for those seeking documentaries that are both artistically adventurous and intellectually stimulating, offering a unique and insightful cinematic experience.
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