Directed by Saïd Belktibia, and co written by Saïd with Louis Penicaut, festival favorite starring Golshifteh Farahi (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Body of Lies, Extraction, Extraction 2), “Hood Witch” is set for release in select theaters and digital platforms on March 21, 2025.

Also in the film are Amine Zariouhi, Denis Lavant, Alexis Manenti, Karim Belkhadra, Issaka Sawadogo.

A cautionary tale about the perils of modern society that cleverly intertwines themes of social media pitfalls, religious extremism, unregulated black market activities, HOOD WITCH debuted to critical acclaim at last year’s SXSW Film Festival. It is the debut film of emerging French director Saïd Belktibia and features acclaimed Iranian-French actress Golshifteh.

HOOD WITCH follows a single mother Nour (Glshifteh Farahani) and her son. Nour makes a living from smuggling exotic animals and illicit products (birds of prey, venom, rare roots, etc.). Wishing to get her son out of the city and offer him a better future, she designs and develops a mobile app that connects clients and marabouts. It’s a success, but a patient’s consultation turns into a tragedy and Nour has to face a wave of violence that could cost her and her son their lives.

Golshifteh Farahani, an Iranian-French actress, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Iranian star to feature in a major Hollywood production: Ridley Scott’s Body of Lies (2008), alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. Farahani also appeared alongside Chris Hemsworth in Extraction and Extraction 2. With a career spanning over 30 films, series, and theatrical works, Farahani is renowned for leveraging her influential platform to advocate for the struggle of Iranian women for freedom and equality.