The 15th Beijing International Film Festival has spotlighted Iranian director Hadi Mohaghegh’s latest film, Vortex, also known as Derno. This thought-provoking drama takes audiences on an allegorical journey through the Iranian landscape, blending the lines between reality and illusion.
The story unfolds with a driver who stops to give a ride to a boy waiting by the roadside. As they travel together, the boy shares a tale of accidentally wounding a snake with his sickle while working in a garden. In an act of compassion, he seeks honey to heal the snake’s wound. Upon reaching the boy’s home, the driver promises to return with the honey. However, his return brings unexpected news that alters his life’s trajectory, revealing a mystical connection between nature and humanity.
Vortex is celebrated for its languid, extended long shots that capture the serene beauty of Iran’s vast wilderness. Mohaghegh employs symbolic imagery such as snakes and honey to delve into themes of life, death, and rebirth, offering a modern interpretation of Eastern philosophy. The film’s evocative visuals and profound narrative invite viewers to contemplate the cycles of reincarnation and the interconnectedness of all beings.
This cinematic journey stands out for its refined storytelling and powerful imagery, marking it as a noteworthy entry in contemporary Iranian cinema. Its selection for the Tiantan Award at the Beijing International Film Festival underscores its international acclaim and the universal resonance of its themes.
