The Californer - Banned Iranian Psychological Thriller THE TURTLE Set for UK Theatrical Release

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Adler & Associates Entertainment announces a rolling UK release of Bahman Kamyar's acclaimed Persian-language film

BURBANK, Calif. - Californer -- London, UK — December 2025 — Adler & Associates Entertainment, led by CEO and co-producer Marie Adler, in association with LePrince CineController, has announced the UK theatrical release of THE TURTLE (Lâkposht), a Persian-language psychological thriller written and directed by Bahman Kamyar.

The film was banned by Iranian authorities for two years without public explanation, drawing international attention for its bold departure from traditional Iranian cinema. Following the lifting of the ban, THE TURTLE will reach UK audiences through a rolling, demand-driven theatrical release, beginning in London and expanding based on audience engagement.

Rather than opening simultaneously across multiple cinemas, the release model allows screenings to grow city by city in response to real audience demand. This approach reflects Adler & Associates Entertainment's commitment to sustainable theatrical distribution while ensuring each screening is supported by an engaged audience.

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Set over the course of a single, uneasy night, THE TURTLE follows Pirooz, a psychiatrist who projects calm authority while suppressing a deep fear of abandonment. When a sudden death in his wife's family brings Shayan, her former lover, back into their lives, an act of hospitality evolves into a psychological confrontation. As tensions rise, paranoia, desire, and memory begin to blur.

The film stars Farhad Aslani (Leila's Brothers, Law of Tehran) and Saber Abar (About Elly, Here Without Me), two of Iran's most respected actors. Kamyar's direction combines intimate character study with an unsettling, dreamlike atmosphere, resulting in a slow-burn psychological thriller that builds toward a transformative final revelation.

THE TURTLE marks a significant artistic statement within contemporary Persian cinema, pushing aesthetic and narrative boundaries while maintaining a gripping sense of suspense.

"In Iranian cinema today, there isn't a better actor than Farhad Aslani. We waited six years for him to be available," said writer-director Bahman Kamyar.

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Worldwide distribution is handled by Adler & Associates Entertainment, with LePrince CineController managing UK and Ireland theatrical distribution. Press screenings and interview opportunities with writer-director Bahman Kamyar are available upon request.

Film Information

Title: THE TURTLE
Original Title: Lâkposht
Country / Year: Iran, 2025
Runtime: 97 minutes
Language: Persian (Farsi) with English subtitles
BBFC: 12A

Writer & Director: Bahman Kamyar
Producer: Bahman Kamyar
CEO & Co-Producer: Marie Adler

Main Cast:
Farhad Aslani, Saber Abar, Nazanin Bayati, Nazanin Karimi

UK Theatrical Release: Rolling platform release beginning in London
First Screening: Close-Up Cinema, London