Iran’s Tehran Times reports that the joint Iranian-Tajikistani film The Fish on the Hook (Tajik: Mohi dar Shast) had its private screening and premiere at the International Conference Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in Tehran on September 21.  The event reportedly marked a significant cultural milestone in the growing partnership between the two nations.

The premiere was attended by notable figures including Peyman Jebelli, the head of IRIB, Nizomiddin Zohidi, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Iran, as well as the cast and crew of the film, Mehr reported.

In a speech at the event, Zohidi recited a poem by Roudaki, emphasizing the deep cultural, historical, and religious ties between Iran and Tajikistan. He expressed the importance of preserving these shared bonds for future generations.

“Today is a gathering of friendship and affection between Tajikistan and Iran,” Zohidi said. “Our cultural and linguistic ties are the foundation for strengthening relations between our two countries. I hope that such projects, like this film, continue to bring us closer together.”

Jebelli also highlighted the enduring cultural bonds between the two nations, noting, “Iran and Tajikistan, though geographically distant, share rich historical and cultural connections.  We are proud to have produced two joint projects with Tajikistan this year: the series Capital and The Fish on the Hook.”   

The collaboration behind the camera between Iranian and Tajik crews was an essential part of the film’s production, Jebelli said, adding that both countries are committed to continuing these joint ventures, paving the way for more future projects.

Directed by Muhiddin Muzaffar, Fish on the Hook tells the story of Daler, a 10-year-old boarding school student who embarks on a journey with Samad, a gambler, to find his mother, Khursheda.  Along the way, Daler faces challenges that help him mature and understand the importance of making choices.  The film culminates in a pivotal moment when Daler must make a life-changing decision after reuniting with his mother.

Amir Tajik, the Iranian producer of the film, shared that the production cost was a fraction of what a domestic Iranian feature film would typically cost, underscoring the potential for future collaboration between the two countries.

The film was produced by Dovfilm, in partnership with Iranian television companies iFilm and 30Cup, alongside Tajikfilm.

The concept for the film was developed in 2022 in collaboration with a boarding school director from the city of Buston, Tajikistan. The screenplay was written by Bakhtiyor Karimov, later revised by Valery Akhadov's workshop, with further contributions from Muhiddin Muzaffar.