Based on a True Story

"Based on a True Story" is a 20-minute minimalist short film set in Tehran, Iran. It is based on the real-life story of an old couple who planned to commit suicide together on March 19, 2007: the woman went through with it, but the man did not. The film’s central theme is life and death. Employing minimalist storytelling and a hybrid of fiction and documentary style, which brings it closer to cinematic realism, the film uses long takes and distant camera placements for a distinctive effect. The film places professional actors in real locations; the script features very little dialogue and long silences, illustrating the characters’ inner lives and allowing the viewer to fill in their background. These devices help the audience to reflect on the story and connect with the characters.