Documentary ‘Past Future Continuous’ Explores Loneliness Through Security Footage

A new documentary titled Past Future Continuous, directed by Morteza Ahmadvand and Firouzeh Khosrovani, will be showcased at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). The film, which utilizes home security camera footage, will screen as part of the Envision Competition program starting on November 13, 2023.

Having premiered earlier at the Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori section, Taskovski Films is managing the film’s sales. The documentary presents a poignant narrative centered around the experiences of Maryam, a woman who left Iran for the United States decades ago, leaving her parents behind in Tehran. As her parents age and political unrest escalates in Iran, Maryam grows increasingly concerned for their well-being.

Exploring Connection Through Technology

The film’s synopsis reveals that Maryam convinces her parents to install security cameras throughout their home, allowing her to maintain a virtual connection with them from afar. This setup leads her to a profound realization about their loneliness over the years. The documentary features a silent montage of security footage interspersed with childhood home videos, providing a reflective backdrop as Maryam contemplates her life spent apart from her parents.

According to the directors, Ahmadvand and Khosrovani, Past Future Continuous draws inspiration from the personal experiences of many Iranians who have emigrated in search of better opportunities. They emphasize that nearly every Iranian who remains in the country has considered leaving, while those who have emigrated often yearn to return. The film shifts the narrative focus from the act of leaving to the homes and lands left behind, illustrating the gradual emptiness these places endure over time.

A Reflection on Love and Distance

The directors articulate that the documentary reflects on the “quiet loss of connection” and the “fading warmth” of familiar spaces, yet highlights the enduring love that persists despite geographical distance. The film promises to be both moving and philosophical, offering audiences a tender exploration of familial ties across borders.

With the IDFA running from November 13 to November 23, 2023, the festival will serve as a platform to showcase this deeply human story. The trailer for Past Future Continuous is now available, giving viewers a glimpse into the emotional journey that lies ahead.