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Universal Language

  • SBIFF's Riviera Theatre 2044 Alameda Padre Serra Santa Barbara, CA, 93103 United States (map)

followed by a Q&A with Director Matthew Rankin

Canada’s Official Oscar Submissions – Shortlisted for Best International Feature Film
Winner of the Cannes’ Directors Fortnight Audience Award
Named one of the top 5 International Films of 2024 by the National Board of Review

In a mysterious and surreal interzone somewhere between Tehran and Winnipeg, the lives of multiple characters interweave with each other in surprising and mysterious ways. Gradeschoolers Negin and Nazgol find a sum of money frozen in the winter ice and try to claim it. Meanwhile, Massoud leads a group of increasingly-befuddled tourists through the monuments and historic sites of Winnipeg. Matthew quits his meaningless job in a Québecois government office and sets out upon an enigmatic journey to visit his mother. Space, time and personal identities crossfade, interweave and echo into a surreal comedy of misdirection.

Directed by Matthew Rankin
Written by Ila Firouzabadi, Pirouz Nemati, Matthew Rankin
Starring Rojina Esmaeili, Saba Vahedyousefi, Sobhan Javadi, Pirouz Nemati, Mani Soleymanlou, Danielle Fichaud
1h 29m

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All We Imagine as Light

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January 7

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory