Arezo

No other language has so many words for the notion of pain than Farsi does. When the originally Iranian choreographer and dancer Arezo gets a surprise visit from her brother Koshan, this observation becomes the leitmotiv of a serene, emotional tug-of-war between two refugees. Where does pain lead to tension, where to conciliation? In sober colours, the director visualises the struggle of two creative people trying to give vent to an unspeakable trauma from the past that they have in common, but are unable to share.

Directed by Wiam Al-Zabari, Arezo leans on a strong ensemble — Roshanak Morrowatian, Saman Amini, Mohamed Naaleye — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2014.