Cause of Death: Unknown

Seven travelers share a road trip across a long stretch of a desert when one person perishes, derailing the fate of the remaining passengers. Suspicious of one another, they opt to seek police assistance but when they discover a concealed fortune beneath the deceased passenger's clothing, they are all put to the toughest of moral tests.

Rich with moral dramas reminiscent of some of the best works of Iranian cinema, CAUSE OF DEATH: UNKNOWN delves deep into Iran's cultural and historical panorama, providing a critical examination of pervasive societal struggles. Exploring the nuances of morality and humanity, the film offers a poignant and evocative reflection on the multifaceted challenges ingrained in Iranian society.

Born in Tehran in 1983, Ali Zarnegar is a versatile Iranian artist— author, film director, and poet. A graduate of film directing and drama from Tehran University of Art, Zarnegar embarked on a dual career in literature and cinema. Between 2002 and 2015, he crafted seven short films, with BECOMING earning accolades at the 27th Tehran International Short Film Festival. His work as a screenwriter has been praised internationally for films such as WEDNESDAY, MAY 9TH and NO DATE NO SIGNATURE. In 2023, Zarnegar directed his debut feature, CAUSE OF DEATH: UNKNOWN, offering a unique perspective on tragedy and collective decisions rooted in personal contexts.