Documentary Film “Layover”
“Layover is not only a film about a tragedy but also a voice for those whose grief was buried under silence. It is a journey through loss, memory, and the courage to keep truth alive.”
The docudrama film “Layover” was written, directed, and produced by Atefeh Farhangikia in 2021. The filming and recording process of this project took three years, reflecting the depth, sensitivity, and complexity of the subject. “Layover”
is a documentary narrative that combines reconstruction, interviews, and archival footage to create a powerful and emotional cinematic experience.
This film focuses on Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, a passenger flight from Tehran to Kyiv, which was shot down on January 8, 2020, by the air defense system of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. All 176 passengers
and crew members lost their lives in this tragic disaster. The documentary explores the incident, its painful consequences, and the deep emotional wounds it left on families and society. A major part of the film follows the life of Mahmoud Zibaei, who lost his wife and child in this tragedy. Through his personal story, “Layover” presents a deeper and more intimate portrait of grief, loss, injustice, and the long struggle for truth and healing.
His experience becomes a reflection of the pain shared by many families affected by this national tragedy. An important aspect of this film is that due to security pressure, censorship, and the dictatorship of the Islamic Republic
of Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the names of the production team were not officially mentioned. In addition, all faces shown in the documentary remain hidden for safety and protection. The executive producer of
This project is Mahmoud Zibaei, whose role was essential in bringing this story to life. “Layover” received several awards at international film festivals, including the Universal Film Festival in Kansas City, Missouri, where it won the award for Best Documentary Film. This achievement highlights the global importance of the story and the emotional impact of the film on international audiences.
