In the world of cinema, some stories go beyond entertainment, serving as powerful reflections of societal struggles and human resilience. A Good Day Will Come is one such film, drawing inspiration from the real-life tragedy of Navid Afkari, an Iranian wrestler whose life and death stirred international outrage. Directed by Canadian-Iranian filmmaker Amir Zargara, the film offers a poignant exploration of personal ambition, systemic oppression, and the quest for justice.
A Good Day Will Come premiered on May 30, 2024, and quickly became a standout on the international film festival circuit.
Overview of the Film
At its core, A Good Day Will Come is a story about choices—choices that define who we are and what we stand for. The film follows Arash, a talented wrestler played by Sia Alipour, as he navigates the complexities of life in Iran.
Arash’s dream is clear: to win gold medals for his country. But as political unrest erupts around him, Arash finds himself torn between his ambitions and the moral obligation to stand against the tyranny threatening his community.
The film opens with Arash training relentlessly, his coach (Mehdi Bajestani) urging him to move faster, to be sharper. Wrestling, with its rules, honour, and respect, becomes a metaphor for the larger struggles Arash faces.
Yet, outside the gym, the world is anything but orderly. Protests over inflation, poverty, and systemic oppression fill the streets, and Arash is forced to confront the harsh realities of his country. The tension builds as he grapples with whether to remain focused on his wrestling career or join the fight for justice—a decision that carries life-altering consequences.
What makes A Good Day Will Come so compelling is its ability to balance the personal and the political. Through Arash’s journey, the film explores universal themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the cost of standing up for what’s right. It’s a story that resonates deeply, not just for those familiar with Iran’s struggles, but for anyone who has ever faced the weight of impossible choices.
The film’s 26-minute runtime is packed with emotional depth, blending moments of quiet introspection with heart-wrenching intensity. From the sunlit landscapes of Iran to the suffocating dread of state violence, every frame is crafted to draw viewers into Arash’s world. By the end, A Good Day Will Come leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the power of hope—even in the darkest of times.
Director’s Vision and Inspiration
Behind A Good Day Will Come is a deeply personal story of its creator, Amir Zargara. Born in Ahvaz, Iran, a city marked by the Iran-Iraq war and the country’s oil-rich yet turbulent history, Zargara’s upbringing profoundly shaped his perspective.
After spending his formative years in Iran, he moved to Ottawa, Canada, where he now resides. This duality of experiences—living under repression and later in a free society—fuels his commitment to telling stories that bridge cultures and shed light on human rights issues.
The film’s inspiration stems from the tragic execution of Navid Afkari, an Iranian wrestler whose story captured global attention. Afkari was arrested during the 2018 protests in Iran and later executed on charges widely believed to be fabricated.
Zargara first learned of Afkari’s plight through his mother’s campaign to save him, and the story stayed with him.
However, instead of creating a straightforward docudrama, Zargara chose to craft a fictional narrative, allowing him to explore the emotional and moral complexities of Afkari’s story without being constrained by factual limitations.
Zargara’s creative process was deeply introspective. He recalls a pivotal moment while listening to Hichkas’ song A Good Day Will Come, which opens with the line, “A good day will come that we won’t kill each other.” This sparked the visual of Arash standing at a protest, hands raised, facing his own people—a powerful image that became the heart of the film.
For Zargara, the song encapsulated the film’s central theme: the struggle for hope and humanity in the face of systemic oppression.
The director also grappled with his own privilege as a filmmaker living in Canada. He felt a moral obligation to use his freedom to amplify the voices of those who cannot speak out. “If I’m not exercising these privileges to tell this story,” Zargara reflects, “then who am I as a person?” This sense of responsibility drove him to create a film that not only honours Navid Afkari’s memory but also serves as a call for empathy and understanding.
Critical Reception
Since its premiere, A Good Day Will Come has garnered widespread acclaim for its powerful storytelling, evocative direction, and emotional depth.
Praise for Storytelling and Direction
Amir Zargara’s direction has been widely celebrated for its ability to immerse viewers in Arash’s world. Critics have noted the film’s atmospheric tension, which builds steadily from the opening scenes to its haunting conclusion. The decision to blend fictional storytelling with real-world inspiration has been particularly lauded, as it allows the film to explore complex themes without losing its emotional impact.
Standout Performances
Sia Alipour’s portrayal of Arash has been singled out as a highlight of the film. His stoic yet deeply emotional performance captures the internal conflict of a man torn between his dreams and his duty to his people. Critics have praised Alipour’s ability to convey Arash’s anguish and determination with subtlety and nuance, making him a compelling and relatable protagonist.
Mehdi Bajestani, who plays Arash’s coach, also delivers a standout performance. His character’s cynicism and resignation in the face of oppression provide a stark contrast to Arash’s idealism, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The scenes between Alipour and Bajestani are particularly powerful, highlighting the generational divide in how individuals respond to systemic injustice.
Technical Excellence
The film’s technical aspects have also received high praise. Jelan Maxwell’s cinematography captures the beauty and tension of Iran’s landscapes, using light and shadow to reflect the film’s emotional tone. The editing, particularly the harrowing cut-to-black scene, has been described as masterful, leaving viewers petrified and deeply moved.
Mixed Reviews
While the majority of reviews have been positive, some critics have noted that the film’s respectful approach to its subject matter occasionally leans toward sentimentality. For instance, FilmCarnage.com observed that the film “plays it a little too safe,” suggesting that a rawer, more visceral approach might have amplified its impact. However, even these critiques acknowledge the film’s emotional resonance and its importance as a call for empathy and justice.
Notable Critic Quotes
- Alvin Tsang: “The film is a painful watch in the best ways. It’s political, it’s atmospheric, and it’s gut-wrenching. The experience was absolutely gripping from start to finish.”
- Mark Ziobro: “A poignant, immersive exploration of resilience and empathy. Zargara’s film captures the weight of systemic injustice and the quiet strength of nonviolent resistance.”
- Indie Shorts Mag: “A masterful balance of tension and despair. The film’s lingering conclusion leaves viewers reflecting on the shared human condition.”
Audience Reactions
Audiences have echoed the sentiments of critics, with many describing the film as a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience. Viewers have praised its ability to humanize the struggles of those living under oppression, making the political personal and the personal universal.
Cast and Crew
The success of A Good Day Will Come is a testament to the talent and dedication of its cast and crew, who brought Amir Zargara’s vision to life with authenticity and emotional depth.
| Role | Name | Details |
| Director | Amir Zargara | Directed and wrote the film, drawing from his personal experiences. |
| Writer | Amir Zargara | Crafted the screenplay, blending fiction with real-world inspiration. |
| Producers | Amir Zargara | Co-produced the film, ensuring its vision stayed true to its message. |
| Iman Tahsin | Co-produced and edited the film, contributing to its technical excellence. | |
| Lead Actor | Sia Alipour | Played Arash, the wrestler torn between ambition and activism. |
| Supporting Cast | Mehdi Bajestani | Played Arash’s coach, adding depth to the film’s moral dilemmas. |
| Shoale Shahbazi | Played Arash’s mother, portraying quiet strength and resilience. | |
| Moeid Zalaghi | Played Arash’s brother, highlighting family dynamics and solidarity. | |
| Cinematographer | Jelan Maxwell | Captured the film’s evocative visuals, blending beauty with tension. |
| Editor | Iman Tahsin | Edited the film, including the harrowing cut-to-black scene. |
| Music Composer | KB | Created the film’s score, enhancing its emotional and thematic resonance. |
| Production Design | Uncredited Team | Designed authentic sets and costumes, grounding the film in its setting. |
Awards and Recognitions
Since its premiere, A Good Day Will Come has been celebrated on the international stage, earning numerous awards and accolades for its powerful storytelling, technical excellence, and emotional impact.
| Film Festival/Award | Year | Category | Result |
| Vancouver Short Film Festival | 2024 | Best Canadian Short Film | Won |
| 2024 | Best Director Nominee (DGC) | Nominated | |
| 2024 | Best Cinematography Award | Won | |
| 2024 | Best Production Design Award | Won | |
| Reykjavík International Film Festival | 2024 | The Golden Egg Award | Won |
| Chelsea Film Festival | 2024 | Best International Short Film | Won |
| Kaaffilm International Short Film Festival | 2024 | WORLD GRAND PRIX – Human Rights Section | Won |
| Sundar Prize Film Festival | 2024 | Best Short Film | Won |
| Amnesty International Au Cinema pour les Droits humains | 2024 | Special Recognition for Human Rights Focus | Won |
| Reelworld Film Festival | 2024 | Outstanding Short Film | Won |
| 2024 | Outstanding Short Film Producer | Won | |
| Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival | 2024 | Roving Eye Section | Selected |
| Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival | 2024 | Best Narrative Short | Won |
| Young Director Award (YDA) | 2024 | Silver Screen Award | Won |
Language and Subtitles
The film is presented in Farsi, the language of Iran, with English subtitles for international audiences. This choice preserves the cultural authenticity of the story while making it accessible to a global audience.
Wrapping Up
A Good Day Will Come is more than just a film—it’s a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. Through its poignant storytelling, evocative cinematography, and standout performances, the film invites viewers to grapple with the moral dilemmas of living under an unjust system while holding onto hope for a better future. Inspired by the tragic story of Navid Afkari, Amir Zargara’s work transcends its specific cultural and political context to speak to universal themes of justice, sacrifice, and the enduring power of empathy.
The film’s title, A Good Day Will Come, serves as both a lament for the present and a quiet declaration of hope. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit has the capacity to endure, resist, and dream of a brighter tomorrow. By immersing viewers in Arash’s world—a world of personal ambition, familial love, and political turmoil—the film challenges us to reflect on our own values and the choices we make in the face of adversity.
As the film continues to resonate with audiences and critics worldwide, its message remains as urgent as ever. In a world often overshadowed by injustice and division, A Good Day Will Come stands as a call for empathy, understanding, and solidarity.
It is a reminder that change, though gradual, is possible, and that the fight for justice and dignity is a shared human endeavor.