Laleh Marzban Wins Orizzonti Best Actress Award at Venice Film Festival 2026 for Moragheb (Falling House)

Moragheb and the meaning of “Falling House”

The English title Falling House gives an additional layer of meaning to the film.

The house is physically threatened by redevelopment.

But the metaphor extends further.

A house is traditionally associated with security, family and belonging.

When the house begins to fall, the family’s sense of security also begins to collapse.

The film uses this physical threat to expose hidden tensions.

The approaching bulldozers are therefore more than a plot device.

They represent a deadline.

The family can no longer postpone its conflicts.

Decisions must be made.

Secrets become harder to conceal.

The future becomes unavoidable.

In this environment, Marzban’s performance becomes especially important because the emotional stakes are closely connected to the family’s changing relationships.

The actress’s recognition at Venice suggests that the Orizzonti jury found particular strength in the performance.

The international cast and creative team

Laleh Marzban is joined in Moragheb by Farhad Aslani, Rima Raminfar and Elena Khakbazan.

The film’s creative team includes cinematographer Farshad Mohammadi, editors Evelyn Rack and Emad Khodabakhsh, production designer Amirhossein Ghodsi, costume designer Neda Nasr and visual-effects artist Amirhossein Afchangi.

The breadth of the creative team reflects the film’s international production environment.

The project combines Iranian performers and filmmakers with international production partners.

This structure is increasingly important for films seeking international festival exposure.

September 12, 2026 | 10:03 pm