Majid Majidi’s latest film, *Midday Meal*, had its world premiere on October 9 at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea. The film, which is included in the festival’s main competition section, was dedicated by the Iranian director to the “brave and courageous people of Iran” and the “martyred children of Minab,” referencing a historical event during the war between Iran and forces led by the United States and Israel.

In brief remarks before the screening, Majidi paid tribute to the resilience of the Iranian people, highlighting their refusal to bow to oppression and emphasizing their desire for independence. He recalled the tragic loss of 168 children on the first day of the war and expressed hope that all destruction would be rebuilt. The 133-minute social drama, completed in 2026, marks Majidi’s first participation in the Busan festival.

*Midday Meal* was produced by the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults. The film was shot entirely in southern Iran and features a cast of local, non-professional actors, including Mohammad Rahimi, Kheyri Zakeri, Rahim Bakhsh Pira, and Heybatmorad Damani. The story centers on Solan, a rural schoolteacher struggling to reconcile his moral compass with the harsh realities facing his students and community.

Set in a remote and impoverished village, the film follows Solan’s attempts to keep his school operational after the death of a benefactor whose funding supported a critical midday meal program. With the school’s survival at risk and official support lacking, Solan resorts to living at the school while engaging in oil smuggling by night, a double life that tests his integrity. Throughout the ordeal, his mother remains a steadfast source of support.

Majidi’s direction captures the emotional complexity of the characters, offering a nuanced exploration of moral ambiguity and survival amid poverty and bureaucracy. The film invites viewers to consider whether Solan’s actions are driven by genuine altruism or self-interest disguised as virtue.

This year’s BIFF is notable as the first to be recognized as an A-list festival by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, a status that allows its best film award to qualify for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The festival’s main competition features 14 Asian films, including works by first-time directors and female filmmakers, reflecting its commitment to showcasing emerging talent.

Majidi, 67, is a renowned Iranian filmmaker known for works that explore childhood, family, social challenges, and humanistic themes. His previous notable films include *Children of Heaven* (1997), which received an Academy Award nomination, as well as *The Color of Paradise* (1999), *Baran* (2001), and *The Song of Sparrows* (2008). More recently, he directed *Muhammad: The Messenger of God* (2015), an epic portraying the early life of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

The Busan International Film Festival, held annually in the Haeundae District of Busan, remains one of Asia’s most influential cinematic events, emphasizing new Asian films and rising filmmakers. The 31st edition of BIFF is scheduled to continue through October 15.