Private Project

Karun - Ahwaz

The Karun River is the largest and longest river located in the southwest of the IRAN, in the city of Ahwaz. the same city that in 2011, according to the WHO, was named the most polluted city in the world.
The residents of Ahwaz, who mostly live around the Karun River, are predominantly of Arab origin.
For the Arabs of Ahwaz, the Karun holds the same significance as the Rhine does for the people of Germany, the Mississippi for the people of United States, the Nile for the people of Egypt, and the Yangtze for the people of China.

  • Habib BaviSajed
    Director
    Sami, Erzal, Awakening Cinema
  • Fatemeh ChandarianPour
    Producer
    Sami, Erzal, Awakening Cinema
  • Smaeel Pournasiri
    Editor
    Sami, Erzal, Awakening Cinema
  • Hamzeh Hatami
    Director of Photography
  • Mohammad Mehdi Shokr
    Sound Mixer
  • Sara BaviSajed
    Executive Producer
  • Habib BaviSajed
    Writer
  • Smaeel Pournasiri
    Poster Designer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    كارون - الأهواز
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    55 minutes 46 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    18,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Country of Filming:
    Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Language:
    Arabic, Persian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • KARUN Pictures
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights, Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Airline, Ship, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
Director Biography - Habib BaviSajed

Habib Bavi Sajed was born in 1980 in Ahwaz, in southwestern Iran.
He has so far participated in several international festivals, such as the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, Dubai, Carthage Film Days, Kazan Film Festival, Al Jazeera Documentary Festival, Al Amal Film Festival in Sweden, and won the award Best Picture Award for the film “War Hymns” from the Documentary Film Festival in Khouribga / Morocco, best screenplay for the film “Sami” from the Kazan International Film Festival
He also produced the first Arabic film in the history of Ahwazi cinema, which was “Sami.” 

Academic education:
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film Directing from the Ministry of Culture and Arts in Iran

Training courses:
A graduate of the international director's workshops and winner of the Golden Palm from the Cannes Film Festival, Abbas Kiarostami

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Growing up in Ahwaz, I have witnessed the vital connection between the Karun River and the local Arab community. This river is the heart of our culture, yet it faces environmental destruction, mirroring the struggles of our people. Ahwaz, known for its pollution, suffers from both environmental crises and cultural neglect.
Through this film, I aim to highlight the resilience of the Arab people, who, despite facing pollution and economic hardships, continue to fight for their heritage. I hope this film sparks a conversation about preserving both our environment and the culture of the marginalized communities here.

— Habib Bavi Sajed