Iranian Director Mehdi Fard Ghaderi to Shoot Sci-Fi Thriller “Phase Space” in Single Take
A new science fiction film promising a unique cinematic experience is on the horizon. Iranian filmmaker Mehdi Fard Ghaderi is set to begin production on his fourth feature, “Phase Space,” entirely in Spain, aiming for a premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Ghaderi, known for his innovative approach to filmmaking – particularly his 2016 breakout debut “Immortality” which was filmed in a single, unbroken shot – will continue to push boundaries with “Phase Space.” The entirely Spanish-language film is scheduled to begin filming by the end of September in Lanzarote, the easternmost of Spain’s Canary Islands.
The project is being financed by Comigo, a Geneva-based company led by Iranian-Swiss producer Reza Fathollahipour. Fathollahipour has a proven track record of supporting acclaimed Iranian cinema, with credits including “Bitter Coffee,” “Mozaffar’s Treasure,” and “The Man of a Thousand Faces.”
Like “Immortality,” “Phase Space” will be shot in a single take, eschewing traditional camera cuts. According to a statement from the director, the cast will be comprised of Spanish actors, with negotiations currently underway. The production schedule calls for two months of intensive rehearsals culminating in a focused 10-day shoot.
The narrative centers around four women who journey to a remote island following a recent meteorite impact. As the story unfolds, the women begin to uncover unsettling truths and experience a profound shift in their reality. “The sensory atmosphere of Spain is completely in line with the inner world of the characters and the story of the film,” Ghaderi explained. “The Spanish language better shows the interactions of the characters and the style of speech of this language is very similar to the narrative of the film.”
The director emphasized the artistic and technical challenges inherent in filming in a single continuous take. “This is both technically and emotionally challenging,” Ghaderi argued. “The film combines a surreal visual language with a psychological narrative, creating a space that exists between reality and imagination.”
Ghaderi’s previous works include “Weightlessness” (2019) and “The Annoyed” (2023), both of which have garnered recognition at over 100 international film festivals, including events in Rome, Shanghai, Munich, Kerala, and St. Louis. He also served as a producer on Noushin Meraji’s 2021 drama “The Son,” which was selected for screenings at the Moscow, Rotterdam, and Valladolid film festivals.
Following principal photography in Spain and post-production work in France, the team intends to submit “Phase Space” for consideration at the Cannes Film Festival, signaling a strong ambition for international acclaim.
