Matthew Rankin’s 'Une langue universelle' Debuts as a Bold, Absurdist Comedy

The Canadian filmmaker’s second feature blends Iranian cinema influences with surreal humor in a Farsi-speaking Winnipeg.

The film, directed by and starring Matthew Rankin, premieres in French cinemas on December 18, 2024.
Set in a fictional version of Winnipeg, the film imagines a city where Farsi is the dominant language, creating a surreal and whimsical narrative landscape.
Critics have praised the film's unique blend of influences, including Iranian directors like Abbas Kiarostami and the comedic styles of Jacques Tati and Wes Anderson.
The story weaves absurdist humor with poetic visuals, following a series of eccentric characters, including two children and a guide in an unconventional journey.
Rankin drew inspiration from personal anecdotes and his admiration for Iranian cinema, crafting a film that is described as both disorienting and exciting.