Hooman Seyedi’s debut film 13 is about a 13-year-old boy’s loneliness and rebellious rage at the violence that surrounds him. Struggling with an abusive father at home and bullied by his classmate at school, it is clear that no one cares about the isolation and pain Bemani lives with. One day, he befriends Sami and her gang after she rescues him from his bully classmate. Little does he know that his involvement with these troubled friends will have serious consequences. The film follows Bemani’s unfortunate adolescence as he searches for solace and love from Sami, who eventually distances herself from him. Unable to control his emotions, he finds himself embroiled in the murder case of drug dealer Farhad. After he is released, his parents promise him the care and communication he has always wanted, but the film sadly closes with Bemani, yet again, all alone. (KIM Ji-seok)