Documentary ‘Past Future Continuous’ Explores Family Bonds from Afar

A new documentary titled Past Future Continuous will be showcased at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), beginning on November 13, 2023. Directed by Morteza Ahmadvand and Firouzeh Khosrovani, the film utilizes home security camera footage to delve into the emotional complexities of family separation and connection across distances.

The documentary had its initial screening at the Venice Giornate degli Autori, where it garnered attention for its unique storytelling approach. It follows the journey of Maryam, who emigrated from Iran to the United States decades ago, while her parents remained in Tehran. As her parents age and political unrest in Iran escalates, she grows increasingly worried about their well-being. To maintain a connection, she convinces them to install security cameras throughout their home, allowing her to monitor their lives remotely.

The film’s synopsis highlights the emotional weight of this arrangement: “Maryam finds herself glued to this virtual connection, only now realizing how lonely they must have been all these years.” The documentary promises to be “moving, tender, and philosophical,” showcasing a silent montage of security footage interspersed with childhood home videos. This format invites viewers into Maryam’s reflections on her life without her parents and the reasons that prevent her return to Iran.

Directors Ahmadvand and Khosrovani note that Past Future Continuous draws inspiration from the experiences of many Iranians who have left their homeland in search of new opportunities. They stated, “Nearly every Iranian remaining in the country has considered leaving at some point, while some Iranians who have emigrated have longed to return.” The film shifts the focus from the act of leaving to the homes left behind, exploring themes of connection, loss, and enduring love despite physical separation.

As IDFA approaches, anticipation builds for the full release of the documentary, which runs until November 23, 2023. The exclusive trailer for Past Future Continuous has premiered, inviting audiences to witness the poignant narrative that intertwines personal history with broader socio-political themes.