Seven-year-old Ata is taken to a fortune-teller who reads mirrors, so that during a ritual he can identify in the mirror the person who stole his aunt's gold. Ata has no idea where his words will lead. To get out of the situation, he repeats everything he has heard his aunt say about her suspicion of Davood, another of her nephews. He does not realise that this lie will bring an unexpected punishment on the whole family. Adam Forush, whose title means "the informer", is an Iranian drama written and directed by Mahmoud Kalari and produced by Ali Oji.
| Original title | آدم فروش |
|---|---|
| Latin title | Adam Forush |
| Former title | Tabestan-e Haman Sal |
| Year | 2025 |
| Country | Iran |
| Language | Persian |
| Genre | Drama |
| Writer and director | Mahmoud Kalari |
| Producer | Ali Oji |
| Music | Hesam Naseri |
| Cinematography | Kouhyar Kalari |
| Editing | Hamid Najafirad |
| Distributor | Filmiran |
A Child's Lie and Its Price
The film looks at a family crisis through the eyes of a child. A ritual that was meant to uncover a thief instead turns a boy's repeated gossip into an accusation, and the adults' reaction to it shapes the fate of everyone involved.
From Tabestan-e Haman Sal to Adam Forush
The film was first known as Tabestan-e Haman Sal, meaning "the summer of that same year". According to Kalari, the story is based on his own personal experience. It is his third feature as a director.
Ali Shadman, Fariba Naderi and Mehran Modiri
Ali Shadman, Fariba Naderi, Samira Hassanpour, Roya Javidnia and Mehrou Nonahali appear in the film, together with Saber Abar, Pejman Bazeghi, Nasim Adabi, Rayan Sarlak, Ronika Bahramzadeh and Mehran Modiri.
Awards at the Fajr Film Festival
Adam Forush competed in the main section of the 42nd Fajr Film Festival in Bahman 1402. It won Crystal Simorghs for production design (Kamyab Amin Ashayeri), costume design (Mehrnoush Bayani) and cinematography (Kouhyar Kalari), and received nominations including best film, best director and best screenplay. In the festival's international competition it also won a special jury prize in the Eastern Vista section. At the 24th Hafez Awards it was nominated for best film, best director, best actress (Mehrou Nonahali) and best cinematography.
Release
After its festival run, the film opened in Iranian cinemas on 12 Shahrivar 1404 (3 September 2025), distributed by Filmiran, and later became available online through Filmnet. Hesam Naseri composed the music and Hamid Najafirad edited the film.
Adam Forush FAQ
What is Adam Forush about?
A seven-year-old boy names a suspect during a mirror-reading ritual, and his lie brings unexpected consequences for his family.
Who directed the film?
Mahmoud Kalari, who also wrote it. It is his third film as a director.
Did the film have another title?
Yes. It was previously called Tabestan-e Haman Sal.
What awards did it win?
Crystal Simorghs at the 42nd Fajr Film Festival for production design, costume design and cinematography.
Watch Adam Forush on Pardeh for a family drama seen through a child's eyes.
Cast
Ronika BahramzadehPhoto: Wikimedia Commons
Mahroo NonahaliPhoto: Wikimedia Commons
