Cardboard Hotel 1997
"A father lost in time, a son lost in life."
Iranian drama *Cardboard Hotel (1997)* by Sirus Alvand follows Bahram Adib, a former volleyball champion who returns to Tehran after years abroad, only to find his son Saeed has vanished following a physical and emotional collapse.
Director: Sirus Alvand
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cardboard Hotel (1997) about?
After returning to Iran, a former volleyball champion learns his son has run away following illness and emotional turmoil. Teaming up with his ex-wife, he embarks on a citywide hunt that forces him to confront his past and the true cost of family.
Who directed Cardboard Hotel?
Sirus Alvand directed this 1997 Iranian family drama.
Who stars in Cardboard Hotel?
The film features Ahmad Najafi in the lead role, alongside the veteran Iranian actress known for her work in rehabilitation narratives at the Red Crescent orthopedic center.
Is Cardboard Hotel (1997) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, this intimate drama offers rich emotional texture and thoughtful social commentary. Its slow-burn storytelling and focus on family reconciliation make it a rewarding pick for fans of character-driven family films.
How long is Cardboard Hotel?
The film runs approximately 102 minutes.
About Cardboard Hotel (1997) — A Father's Search for His Son in Tehran
Iranian drama *Cardboard Hotel (1997)* by Sirus Alvand follows Bahram Adib, a former volleyball champion who returns to Tehran after years abroad, only to find his son Saeed has vanished following a physical and emotional collapse. As Bahram teams up with his ex-wife—now a Red Crescent rehabilitation specialist—on a frantic citywide search, the journey becomes a quiet reckoning with regret, fractured bonds, and the elusive meaning of home. Shot with an intimate, autumnal palette, the film weaves personal redemption into the bustling backdrop of post-war Iran, where every alleyway and hospital room echoes with questions of belonging and second chances.
The narrative unfolds like a moving diorama of guilt and healing, anchored by Ahmad Najafi's understated portrayal of Bahram. The title alludes not just to a literal place, but to the fragile, temporary shelters we build around our deepest vulnerabilities—shelters that can fold or crumble when exposed to truth. Expect a story that lingers long after the credits, blending family drama with subtle social observation and a poignant meditation on how love endures in spaces that feel anything but permanent.