Bani Khoshnoudi’s documentary essay film, Noghteh-e-Goriz
(The Vanishing Point), is gaining significant traction on the international film circuit, offering a deeply personal and politically charged exploration of Iran’s recent history. The film, which premiered at the Visions du Réel Festival, receiving the JURY PRIZE in the BURNING LIGHTS COMPETITION, is now set for its US premiere at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on .
The Vanishing Point delves into a decades-long family silence surrounding the execution of a cousin during the 1988 purges in Iran’s political prisons. Khoshnoudi, exiled from Iran after her previous film documenting the 2009 Green Movement was banned, uses a fragmented, archival approach, interwoven with her own diaristic footage filmed over years in Iran, to confront this collective trauma. The film isn’t simply a recounting of events; it’s a meditation on the fear that silenced a nation and the burgeoning resistance that continues to unfold within Iranian society.
The film’s structure is notably layered, utilizing abandoned houses and surviving objects as symbolic anchors for memory. Khoshnoudi’s approach, described as a “documentary essay,” suggests a deeply subjective and artistic interpretation of historical events, moving beyond traditional documentary storytelling. The use of various film formats – 16mm, Super 8, and 4K – further emphasizes the fragmented nature of memory and the challenges of reconstructing the past.
This isn’t Khoshnoudi’s first foray into politically sensitive territory. Her previous work, which led to her exile, demonstrates a commitment to confronting difficult truths about Iran’s political landscape. The banning of her film on the 2009 Green Movement underscores the risks faced by filmmakers challenging the established order. The Vanishing Point, represents not only a personal journey but also a continuation of her artistic and political resistance.
The film’s growing recognition is also evident in its selection for the Gijón International Film Festival (FICX) in Spain, where it will receive its Spanish premiere. FICX, celebrating its 63rd edition from to , has positioned itself as a champion of “truly independent cinema,” and the inclusion of Khoshnoudi’s work aligns with the festival’s commitment to daring and innovative voices. The festival’s program this year notably features a strong representation of female filmmakers, with 56% of the works directed or co-directed by women.
The significance of The Vanishing Point extends beyond its artistic merit. The film tackles a subject – the 1988 executions – that remains largely taboo in Iran. By breaking her family’s silence, Khoshnoudi is contributing to a broader effort to acknowledge and address this dark chapter in Iranian history. The film’s exploration of collective trauma and the long-lasting effects of political repression resonates with audiences globally, particularly in contexts where freedom of expression is curtailed.
The production of the film involved collaboration between Pensée Sauvage Films and KinoElektron, and received support from organizations including the Herb Alpert Award in the Arts, CNC (Centre National de la Cinématographie), and Image/Mouvement of the Cnap (Centre National des Arts Plastiques), as well as La Scam – Brouillon d’un rêve. This backing highlights the international recognition of the film’s importance and the commitment of various institutions to supporting independent filmmaking.
Khoshnoudi’s work arrives at a crucial moment, as protests and calls for political change continue within Iran. While the film doesn’t explicitly advocate for specific political outcomes, its unflinching portrayal of past injustices and its exploration of the enduring spirit of resistance offer a powerful commentary on the current situation. The film’s title, The Vanishing Point
, itself suggests a sense of loss and the struggle to find clarity amidst a complex and often obscured reality.
The MoMA premiere is expected to draw significant attention, not only from film critics and industry professionals but also from Iranian diaspora communities and human rights advocates. The film’s US debut provides a platform for a wider audience to engage with a story that has been largely silenced for decades, and to reflect on the universal themes of memory, loss, and the pursuit of justice. The film’s length, at 104 minutes, allows for a comprehensive exploration of these themes, utilizing a blend of personal narrative and historical context.
