Hijamat’ Director: Karlovy Vary, Jafar Panahi, and Iranian Cinema

Iranian filmmaker Nader Saeivar will debut his latest feature, Hijamat, at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on July 8. The film explores the psychological impact of rigid societal beliefs within a Berlin-based immigrant community. While Saeivar travels to the festival, his longtime collaborator Jafar Panahi remains in Iran, where authorities have seized his passport and sentenced him to prison for “propaganda against the regime.”

How personal history shapes the narrative of Hijamat

Saeivar describes Hijamat as a reflection of his own life, marking a shift from his previous focus on external social activism. According to his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, moving to Berlin after 50 years in Iran forced him to confront deeply held, often rigid, beliefs. He identifies these internalized structures as a “wall” that prevents personal and political growth, comparing the process to the film’s titular practice—a form of wet cupping used to draw out “dirty blood” for healing.

The director points to his own upbringing during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war as a primary example of this ideological struggle. Saeivar recalls how, as a child, he was conditioned to desire martyrdom for political causes. Realizing later that the conflict served narrow political interests led to a fundamental breakdown of his worldview. He argues that this phenomenon is universal: while Eastern societies may be constrained by religious dogma, Western societies are often held back by the weight of a glorified past.

Why the partnership between Saeivar and Jafar Panahi continues

Despite being separated by borders, the creative bond between Saeivar and Panahi remains active. The two co-wrote the Cannes 2025 Palme d’Or winner It Was Just An Accident. Saeivar reports that he and Panahi speak for at least an hour every day, discussing new ideas and navigating the professional isolation Panahi faces in Iran. Panahi, who edited Hijamat, reportedly praised the performance of lead actor Kida Khodr Ramadan during the post-production process.

Saeivar notes that Panahi’s current reality involves daily legal hurdles, including court appearances and consultations with lawyers, which prevents the legendary director from traveling to international premieres. When Saeivar and his colleagues received recognition from the Academy, Panahi was the first person to call with congratulations, highlighting their ongoing collaborative support system.

How casting reflects the film’s community-focused themes

To ensure an authentic representation of the Turkish and Arab communities in Berlin, Saeivar cast Kida Khodr Ramadan in the lead role of Murad. The director employed a specific strategy: “If you want to conquer a village, you have to see the mayor first.” By casting an actor with high recognition within these specific communities, Saeivar aimed to bridge the gap between his own perspective and the experiences of his subjects.

The film also features performances by Nicolette Krebitz, Aziz Capkurt, Moritz Bleibtreu, and Nastassja Kinski. These actors support a narrative that follows Murad as he discovers his younger brother, Kerem (played by Jael Cem Ilhan), is gay, forcing the family to confront secrets that threaten their stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the premise of Hijamat? The film follows a man named Murad who struggles to protect his gay brother while grappling with the rigid religious and cultural traditions of their family in Berlin.
• Why can’t Jafar Panahi attend the premiere? Iranian authorities have confiscated his passport and sentenced him to a prison term, preventing him from leaving the country.
• Where was Hijamat filmed? This is the first feature film directed by Nader Saeivar produced entirely outside of Iran, following his move to Berlin.