Leila’s Brothers
برادران لیلا

Leila’s Brothers is a compelling drama that reveals the patriarchal oppression and economic hardship that women endure in Iran. The film centers on Leila, a 40-year-old woman who has sacrificed her life to care for her parents and four brothers, grappling with debts and unemployment in a country suffocated by international economic sanctions. As time goes by, the conflicts among siblings intensify and the family is on the verge of being ruined by debts. To salvage the situation, Leila has a plan to launch a family business with the aid of a hidden stash of gold coins that her father has concealed for years. But her plan is thwarted by the resistance and treachery of her greedy and misogynist relatives, who regard her as a maid and a scapegoat.

With Leila’s Brothers, Saeed Roustayi crafts a realistic and riveting portrait of a woman who attempts to liberate herself from the shackles of tradition and corruption, but confronts insuperable barriers and injustices. The film boasts superb performances from the cast, especially Taraneh Alidoosti, who embodies Leila with smashing persuasive power, dignity and resilience.

For her performance in Leila’s Brothers Taraneh Alidoosti will receive the RED LOTUS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2023. Unfortunately, due to the current political situation in Iran, she cannot attend the award ceremony.

TARANEH ALIDOOSTI
Taraneh Alidoosti, born 1984, is an Iranian film and theater actress. Internationally, she is best known for her role in The Salesman (2016), which won the Best Foreign Language Film award at the 89th Academy Awards. Alidoosti won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 20th Fajr Film Festival and the Silver Leopard at the 55th Locarno film festival for I’m Taraneh, 15 (2002), her first film. She is also known for starring in films like The Beautiful City (2003), Fireworks Wednesday (2006), Canaan (2008), and About Elly (2009).

SAEED ROUSTAYI
Saeed Roustayi was born in Iran in 1989. After graduating from Soore University with a Bachelor in cinematography, he first directed three short films and a documentary which won over 100 awards worldwide. His feature debut Life and a Day (2016) won Best Directing and Best Screenplay awards at Fajr International Film Festival. His second feature, Just 6.5 (2019), premiered at Venice Orizzonti and was nominated for the César Award for Best Foreign Film. His most recent work Leila’s Brothers premiered at the Official Competition of the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.

Red Lotus 2023

Iran 2022
169 Min | Color | Farsi with English subtitles

Directed by Saeed ROUSTAYI

Leila’s Brothers © Elle Driver