Atabay | فیلم سینمایی آتابای

Atabay : فیلم سینمایی آتابای is an Iranian drama film directed and produced by Niki Karimi, with a screenplay by Hadi Hajazifar. Released in 2019, the film features a cast including Hadi Hajazifar, Sahar Dolatshahi, and Javad Ezzati. It made its debut at the 38th Fajr Film Festival, earning nominations in five categories.

The narrative revolves around Kazem, a middle-aged man living in the village of Pirkandi in Khoy County. Once a student of architecture at the University of Tehran, he returns to his hometown following a romantic setback. Taking responsibility for his late sister's son, Aiden, who is now a teenager, Kazem finds himself challenged by the complexities of parenthood, especially as Aiden faces difficulties in his development. Amidst this, Kazem's relationship with his old friend, Yahya, adds further complications. The arrival of two sisters, whose project involves building a villa for their late father, introduces new dynamics, with Kazem developing a keen interest in Sima, the eldest sister.

"آتابای" garnered attention for its compelling storyline, nuanced characters, and the skilled performances of the cast. Its selection as a standout production by film critics and writers in the Film Magazine further solidified its position in Iranian cinema. The film also participated in the 2021 Asia Pacific Film Festival.

Notably, the film stirred controversy due to its use of the Turkish language, sparking objections from a journalist who argued for Persian as the official language of Iran. In response, director Niki Karimi defended the linguistic choice, emphasizing the diversity in language representation within Iranian cinema. The screenplay writer, Hadi Hajazifar, labeled the journalist's stance as fascist.

Despite the linguistic debate, "آتابای" remains a poignant exploration of familial relationships, love, and the intricacies of personal growth, offering audiences a thought-provoking cinematic experience.