The world premiere of the family drama 'Hijamat' will be a bittersweet moment for Iranian writer and director Nader Saeivar. The film was produced and edited by his long-time friend and creative collaborator Jafar Panahi. The duo co-wrote the Cannes 2025 Palme d'Or-winning film 'It Was Just An Accident', but only Saeivar will attend the world premiere of 'Hijamat' in the Crystal Globe main competition at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Saeivar traveled from Iran to Berlin during the filming of 'Accident', and 'Hijamat' became his first feature film made entirely abroad. Karlovy Vary hoped to host Panahi as part of the film's delegation, but the director returned to Iran following the Oscar campaign for 'Accident'. Recently, Iranian authorities confiscated Panahi's passport, and he is facing a new prison sentence on charges of "propaganda against the regime".

In 'Hijamat', the versatile artist Kida Khodr Ramadan portrays the character Murad, who tries to protect his younger brother Kerem (Jael Cem Ilhan). When Murad learns that his brother is gay, the life of his deeply religious Muslim family in Berlin is put at risk. The film also features names like Nicolette Krebitz, Aziz Capkurt, Moritz Bleibtreu, and Nastassja Kinski.

'Hijamat' is known as an ancient treatment method that involves drawing small amounts of blood from the body, aimed at pain relief and detoxification. Saeivar emphasizes in the film that people need to change their minds, stating that this change is necessary to solve political issues. His personal journey and experiences resonate with the themes explored in 'Hijamat', reflecting his story in the present time.