Paris-based Cat&Docs has acquired world sales rights for Grand Me by Iranian filmmaker Atiye Zare Arandi. The documentary, about an Iranian girl in the middle of a custody battle, is set to world premiere in the NEXT:WAVE strand at CPH:DOX on March 18.
Set in Esfahan, Iran, Grand Me follows Melina, who has lived with her grandparents since her parents' divorce. She wants to live with her mother, but this is not possible because both her father and new stepfather are against it. Melina's mother struggles to strike a balance between her relationship with her new spouse and maintaining a positive relationship with her daughter.
Celebrating her 9th birthday, Melina is finally old enough to bring her custody case to court. With the law on her side, she hopes to choose her own custodian. Unfortunately, Melina is not aware of how the adult world is organized and how things will probably play out.
The idea for the film originated when Melina expressed her desire to become a film director like her aunt, using her phone to make videos. This ego-filming has given Melina confidence and a sense of empowerment. Filming herself and her family has been a crucial step in her journey to free herself from her challenging home situation.
The film focuses on Melina's emotional process, deeply rooted in her cultural and social background. Through the eyes of a child, the film offers a unique perspective on the impact of divorce on families.
Grand Me is produced by Belgium's Associate Directors, with co-producers from Iran, Belgium, and Qatar. It is supported by various organizations, including the Flanders Audiovisual Fund and the Belgian Development Cooperation.
The filmmakers hope that Grand Me will shed light on the experiences of children in the midst of parental separation and encourage better awareness of their well-being. The film aims to amplify young voices and highlight the complexities of family dynamics within broader societal structures.
