In the Garden of Tulips

In the chaos and tragedy of war, it is the small stories that often get forgotten or lost to time. The uprooting of lives changes the course of history, in ways that resonate for decades. In the Garden of Tulips is an intensely personal story written by star Ava Lalezarzadeh, and inspired by her own heritage, of the shattering of a family in the Iran-Iraq war.

In 1988, Caroline (Lalezarzadeh) and her father Sharif (Iman Nazemzadeh) travel across Iran amidst war and turmoil to find safety. Sharif has organised safe passage for Caroline to a place away from the war – but it is a journey he cannot take. With dangers on the road, a family secret places them both at higher risk – but a determination to share positivity in their last moments together means they are able to find the light.

Part war movie, part road trip, part family drama, In the Garden of Tulips is a short drama filled with tension and emotion. Shot in Los Angeles, the remarkable locations identified by the filmmakers recreate the Iranian desert brilliantly, and the set construction, costume design and of course Persian language make this a powerful recreation of 80s Iran. Caroline and Sharif’s journey across the desolate land feels both freeing and terrifyingly exposed – an effect felt most during their run in with a police officer (Milad Dylan) who threatens to expose their secret. The powerful immediate contrast of an innocent bonding moment between father and daughter and the sirens of his car feels that much more impactful thanks to the open, defenceless space.

Ava Lalezarzadeh more than embodies the emotional weight that inspired the film. Torn between the life of a young girl and a survivor who knows that dangers lie around every corner, her performance as Caroline is what drives the film – with viewers easily sharing her father’s concern. Caroline’s war will not end when she reaches UN peacekeepers, or even when she escapes the Middle East. Iman Nazemzadeh is as equally powerful, their final embrace before parting a guaranteed tearjerker. Nazemzadeh’s eyes imprint onto the soul of the audience – a fantastically affecting touch for the film and one that firmly establishes this as a recreation of final memories.

As a snapshot of a moment in time, the filmmakers do not opt to dwell on the causes or wider context of the war – leaving this to occasional interruptions from the radio to fill in background. This is a family story, one where the relationship between father and daughter takes centre stage – but viewers will be better suited with at least some knowledge of the background to the conflict (as well as Middle East history) to get the most from the film.

In the Garden of Tulips is a strong and emotional story of separation, and one that remains tragically relevant in a tumultuous world. Ava Lalezarzadeh’s talent is clear to see in a powerful lead performance and fantastic script. Much like the journey of Caroline, this is a film that will resonate.