On Monday, 13 January, the Filmpodium Saanenland screened the Iranian film “A Dragon Arrives!” by Mani Haghighi at the Kino Gstaad.

Following the screenings of “Khook” and “Subtraction” in last year’s program, Mani Haghighi has become a familiar name for regular attendees. Since both films were so extraordinary and compelling, Filmpodium Saanenland is thrilled to showcase another work by this remarkable director: “A Dragon Arrives!”, released in 2016.

“Mani Haghighi’s bold, bewildering mélange of noir, mockumentary and outright fantasy bends itself into one very sexy pretzel.”
Guy Lodge, Variety

The Storyline 
The film opens with police officer Hafizi being interrogated by a secret service agent about events that took place 50 years earlier—back in 1965, shortly after the assassination of the Iranian Prime Minister. At that time, Hafizi was tasked with investigating the supposed suicide of a political dissident who had been exiled to a desert island in the Persian Gulf for his activities against the regime. 

Hafizi quickly realises the dissident was murdered. However, to avoid complications, he falsifies his report and buries the body in the desert cemetery. But as the grave is covered, the earth trembles and cracks open. The locals know the legend: a creature with glowing red eyes lies beneath the cemetery, stirring only when it has been "fed."

Hafizi dismisses the ghostly folklore and delves deeper, uncovering more mysteries while clashing with "the Agency"—Haghighi's coded reference to the secret police. As Hafizi gets too close to uncovering the truth—whether it be mystical or political—it becomes clear that he is dealing with something monstrous and ominous. It may well be the past itself, which cannot be buried and merely slumbers, waiting to awaken like a dragon.

A Genre-Defying Masterpiece 
At the start of the film, Haghighi labels it a documentary, immediately throwing viewers off course. In reality, it is a "mockumentary"—a parody of a documentary—while also serving as a mystery thriller, political drama, social commentary, and macabre comedy. Throughout, it never loses sight of its political undertones. 

Stunning cinematography, bizarre details, unforgettable characters, rich symbolism, and countless nods to iconic films in cinema history create an overwhelming visual experience. This defies simple interpretation but achieves the director’s goal: a magical atmosphere brimming with unease and latent fear—a reflection of modern-day Iran. 

Or perhaps, it’s much simpler than that. Referring to Hafizi’s orange Chevrolet Impala, Haghighi says: “I’ve always wanted to shoot a camera pan across its headlights, and this film gave me the perfect excuse.”

About Filmpodium Saanenland 
Filmpodium Saanenland screens films every second Monday of the month at Kino Gstaad. Movie lovers of all kinds are welcome. Non-members can purchase regular tickets at the box office on the evening of the screening.