
Synopsis The Breathless follows Abbas Amini’s personal journey to replace his father’s gravestone, who died as a result of chemical injuries suffered during the Iran-Iraq War. While investigating his father’s past and speaking with his former comrades, Amini discovers that many children of chemical warfare survivors have also been affected by the consequences of these attacks. Through a review of Iraq’s chemical attacks and a visit to the Halabja Museum, the documentary presents a human portrait of the lasting scars of war.
About the Film
The Breathless is one of Abbas Amini’s most personal documentaries, transforming a private family concern into a broader reflection on collective memory and the long-term impact of war. Starting from his own experience, Amini explores the lives of people who continue to live with the consequences of past conflicts.
Combining personal narration, eyewitness testimonies, and historical research, the film gives voice to a generation still carrying the invisible wounds of war.
The Breathless in Abbas Amini’s Filmography
The Breathless is considered one of Abbas Amini’s significant social documentaries. It continues his interest in portraying marginalized and forgotten stories, focusing on individuals whose lives have been shaped by historical events. The film was presented at the 6th International Documentary Film Festival Cinema Verité, where Amini was recognized in the research category for this work.