by FilmInk Staff

The most recently discovered element of the periodic table, Tennessine is a synthetic and second-heaviest known chemical element, discovered through a collaboration between Russia and America. What it means with regards to a new Australian film of the same name is yet to be revealed.

Tennessine is the highly anticipated follow up from Osamah Sami to his breakthrough romcom hit Ali’s Wedding, albeit exploring far more cerebral and darker territory. Unlike the ubiquitous director Jeffrey Walker of Ali’s Wedding, on Tennessine, Sami has partnered with academic, film festival director and filmmaker Amin Palangi (Love Marriage in Kabul) for a truly ‘collaborative and explorative work’ from ‘culturally diverse Australian creatives with shared grounds in migration, cinema and storytelling.’

According to a press release “Tennessine is a psychological drama following Arash (Osamah Sami), named after the Persian mythical archer, who against his family’s wishes, arrives in Australia to reunite with the love of his life, the elusive Nazanin (emerging new talent Faezeh Alavi). While the couple is about to spend a romantic weekend in a cabin in the woods, the arrival of Nasser (AACTA-nominated actor Robert Rabiah), owner of the rural property, interrupts the idyllic reunion Arash had hoped for and raises doubts about his connection with Nazanin. Soon, Arash learns of deep harboured secrets, which leads him down a path of self-destruction.”

The story in the film was devised by Sami and Palangi, and will explore migration, displacement, family duty, belonging and love, primarily with Persian dialogue.

The film will be produced by Palangi Productions and newly established production house Breathless Films, established by Ulysses Oliver and Ben Ferris.

Photo: Osamah Sami and Faezeh Alavi, Production still from Tennessine, Image by Ali Nasseri 2021.
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