Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's first ever Indian film, Beyond The Clouds, which also marks Ishaan Khattar's launch pad in cinema, will have its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival. That's not all. The film, which also features South actress Malavika Mohanan, will be showcased in the competition section at the festival, on October 13. The movie's poster was unveiled at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.

Talking about his experience of working with an Indian cast and crew, Majidi says, “This is the first feature film I have made outside Iran, and it's an experience I have been waiting for years to happen. Beyond The Clouds is an extension of my cinematic beliefs, the roots of which lie in human values, love, friendship and family bonding.“

Majidi, who catapulted into the limelight after being nominated for an Oscar in the Best Foreign Language Film category for Children of Heaven (1997), adds, “Like Children Of Heaven, this film, too, is the story of a brother and sister. However, this time around, the siblings are grown-ups, who tackle greater conflicts in the bustling city of Mumbai.“

Meanwhile, the festival's director, Clare Stewart, describes the film as a coming together of local and international talent. “Majid Majidi brings a powerful outsider eye to Mumbai in this compelling, visually stunning film driven by an extraordinary debut performance from Ishaan Khattar. Anil Mehta's cinematography and the evocative score by Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman bring additional depth to Majidi's visionary filmmaking. We are very proud to present its World Premiere in Official Competition at the BFI London Film Festival.“

Beyond The Clouds is produced by Zee Studios in association with Namah Pictures.