Dream Machine: AHRIMAN II

Dream Machine: AHRIMAN II

Door open : 19:00

Movie start : 19:30
Q&A with Director Mani Nickpour and Exposition Info:

The balance between light and darkness is put to the test. In the aftermath of a war in the Middle

East, an innocent Water Carrier falls victim to the violence, her tragic death sending ripples through

time.

Nima, an ex-soldier now living in Amsterdam, is tormented by guilt and fragmented memories. To

find redemption, he must confront his past with the help of a mysterious Dream Machine—while

Ahriman, the evil spirit of chaos, tempts Nima through his minion Linda, luring him into darkness.

Centuries earlier, King Cyrus the Great battles Ahriman, setting into motion events that will resonate

with Nima's journey across time. Their destinies are woven together, and only by facing their deepest

fears can they restore the light.

AHRIMAN II: Dream Machine is a tale rooted in ancient mythology, blending Persian, Greek, and

Egyptian influences with the unique flair of Japanese MANGA storytelling.

To redeem himself, Nima, an ex-soldier haunted by guilt, must confront a dark spirit manipulating his

past and present with the help of a mysterious Dream Machine—a battle that began centuries ago

with King Cyrus against Ahriman, the spirit of chaos, threatening the balance between light and

darkness across time.

Director BIO:

Mani Nickpour is a Dutch-Persian filmmaker based in Amsterdam, known for his teaching at film

schools and for his debut two-part feature film "Ahriman: Death Before Dying" and "Ahriman II:

Dream Machine," which won 'Best Fantasy Award' at Kanazawa Film Festival in Japan and 'Best

Feature Film Award' at Phenomena International Film Festival in Brazil.

Mani's passion for filmmaking began early, influenced by his father, who was deeply involved in films.

At seven, Mani appeared in a feature film, sparking his love for storytelling. His father also plays a key

role in the Ahriman films, adding a personal touch to his debut.

Since 2007, Mani has taught camera technique , editing and compositing at film schools like Open

Studio and the Gerrit Rietveld Academy. He also founded HADOKEN, an audiovisual production

company producing corporate films, short fiction, and feature films.

Mani's work is inspired by ancient symbolism and mythology, which are recurring themes in his films.

He collaborates with musicians on soundtracks, often contributing to the music himself.

Cast & Crew

Mani Nickpour as Nima

Selma Copijn as Andromeda and Linda

Samantha van den Doel as the Water-Carrier

Juliet Cannegieter as Goddess Anahita

Masaki Naito as Yorishiro

Olena Uttai as Lady Uttai

Maree van der Linden as April

Lavinia Meijer as Angie

Saeid Nickpour as Doctor Razi

Shea Elmore as Spenta-Mainyu

Setsu Taichibana as Yume

Joost Knol - camera operator

Sierra Bloem - Assistent director and camera operator

Masood Banozade - camera operator

Alin Wishka - camera operator

Michael Williams - camera operator and producer (Japan)

David Bronkhorst - associate producer

Trailer

https://youtu.be/_GHYBra0mWk