Tahereh Baigy ... Grandma
Shoale Shahbazi ... Goli
Narshin Tahamtan ... Hedieh
Delyar Chavoshi ... Anousheh
Rastin Paknahad ... Bijan
Writer (Story by), Director, Producer: Amir Zargara
Writer (Story by, Written by): Gabe Berry
Producers: Sara Nasrabadi, Iman Tahsin
Director of Photography: Jelan Maxwell
Composer: Kamyar Behbahani
Editor: Iman Tahsin
Sound Designer, Sound Mixer: Amir Mohabbati
Production Sound Mixer: Sara Nasrabadi
Art Director: Elem Tilev
Set Decorator: Sepideh Fathi
Costume Designer: Alma Ghoshtasb
Hair & Make up: Surur Kheyrandishfard
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Director Statement
VITAL explores the contrasts between Iran, where the legal trade of human organs is a stark socio-economic reality, and the United States, which faces its own ethical debates over organ donation. It also mirrors my journey as an Iranian-Canadian filmmaker living in North America, confronting the disparities I’ve seen in both worlds.
Having spent equal parts of my life in Iran and North America, I feel uniquely positioned to examine these opposing realities. The organ trade in VITAL becomes a metaphor for my complicated relationship with Iran. Even though I’ve left, I continue to “harvest” its symbolic organs—stories that fuel my filmmaking but also reveal the emotional conflict of distancing myself from a place that still defines me.
VITAL is more than a narrative; it’s an exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding organ trade. By focusing on the decisions of a mother and father fighting for their children’s survival, the film underscores the shared humanity at the center of this issue—an empathy that transcends borders. Through these personal stories, I hope to prompt audiences to reconsider their perceptions of those whose experiences differ from their own, ultimately highlighting how socioeconomic realities shape our moral choices.
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Director’s Biography
Amir Zargara is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian writer and director, whose unique perspective is shaped by the cultural mosaic of Iran and Canada. His journey, characterized by the resilience of an immigrant and the challenges of living with a stutter, deeply influences his approach to filmmaking. An alumnus of prestigious programs at Berlinale, TIFF, Zurich, and Reykjavik, he explores the moral complexities individuals face in his films.
His short film A GOOD DAY WILL COME qualified for the Oscars and received over 70 awards and mentions across more than 100 film festivals worldwide. Amir's screenplays have garnered praise from top industry competitions, including the Academy’s Nicholl Fellowship, The Black List, Austin Film Festival, and Slamdance.
FilmographyBecome the Wounded ... Short Film ... 2022
A Good Day Will Come
... Short Film ... 2024
Vital ... Short Film ... 2025
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Festivals & Awards
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Thanks:
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
We would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.
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Production:
Production Company: Zargara Productions
Production Partner: Haurvatat Films
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Contact:
Email | Hello@Zargara.com
Phone | +1-613-857-1027
