Opening this year's Rotterdam International Film Festival, acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Abolfazl Jalili's latest film (supported through the Hubert Bals Fund for innovative talent in developing countries) is equal parts poetic beauty and stark realism.

Delbaran is a small Iranian bordertown: artillery and gunfire of the Afghan war can be heard in the distance; drivers on the road fall prey to unseen bandits. At a remote truck stop, a young boy, Kaim, runs endless errands, hiding when the local policeman turns up to check for illegal Afghanis. When the policeman is attacked, Kaim comes to his aid but finds himself wrongfully arrested.

Jalili (Dance of Dust) has directed an extraordinary film about the survival in harsh and uncompromising conditions. Sombre and dignified with moments of surprising humour and beauty.

"With Delbaran, Abolfazl Jalili comes up with another beautifully realised study of characters lost between the cracks of history and politics." - Variety

Abolfazl Jalili (born in Saveh, Iran, 1957) studied at the Iranian College of Dramatic Arts. His works have been acclaimed at Festivals around the world. His many films include Nativity (1983), Spring (1985), Dance of Dust (MIFF 1990), Det Means Girl (1994) and Don (1998).