The narrative unfolds in two interwoven strands: one depicts a family reuniting around their aging, terminally ill mother, rekindling shared childhood memories; the other follows the mother’s own preparations for her final journey and the meticulous coordination of the rituals that will follow her death.
Ali Hatami (14 August 1944 – 7 December 1996) was a prominent Iranian filmmaker, known for his poetic visuals, meticulous art direction, and deep-rooted focus on Persian cultural themes. He studied at Tehran’s College of Dramatic Arts and began his career as a writer. He made his directorial debut with Hasan the Bald (1970), Iran’s first musical film. Other notable works include Hajji Washington (1982), Kamalolmolk (1984), Love‑Stricken (1992), and the renowned TV series Hezar Dastan (1978–1987), often hailed as Iran’s best television production. He frequently served as art director and costume designer for his own films, crafting immersive, traditional settings. His work earned him the nickname “the Hafez of Iranian cinema” for its lyrical ambience. He passed away from cancer in 1996.
