The Rigi Brothers' Reign Of Terror: 7 Shocking Truths About The Iranian Film 'When The Moon Was Full' (شبی که ماه کامل شد)
The film When the Moon Was Full (Persian: Shabi Keh Mah Kamel Shod) is more than just a cinematic masterpiece; it is a harrowing, true-life narrative that shocked Iran and the global film community upon its release. Winning a record number of major awards at the 37th Fajr Film Festival, the movie delves into the dark and tragic love story of Faezah Mansuri, a woman from Tehran, and Abdolhamid Rigi, a member of a notorious terrorist organization. This deep dive, updated for December 25, 2025, explores the film's controversial subject matter, its stunning critical success, and the enduring legacy of the real-life figures involved.
The unflinching portrayal of extremism, family loyalty, and ultimate betrayal makes When the Moon Was Full a vital piece of modern Iranian cinema. Directed by the acclaimed Narges Abyar, the film masterfully navigates the complexities of a relationship that begins with hope in Tehran but descends into terror across the border in Pakistan, revealing the brutal realities of the Jundallah terrorist group and its leadership, the Rigi brothers.
The True Story and Key Figures: A Biographical Sketch
The power of When the Moon Was Full lies in its foundation of real, tragic events. The film’s primary characters are based on individuals whose lives intersected with the violence of the Sistan and Baluchestan region.
- Faezah Mansuri (Portrayed by Elnaz Shakerdoost): The central figure and protagonist. Faezah was a young woman from Tehran who fell in love and married Abdolhamid Rigi. Her journey from a hopeful bride to a victim trapped by her husband's extremist ties forms the core of the drama. The film depicts her eventual fate, which remains a deeply sensitive topic.
- Abdolhamid Rigi (Portrayed by Houtan Shakiba): Faezah's husband. He is initially presented as a charming man from the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan. The narrative meticulously tracks his transformation and his deep, secretive involvement with the Jundallah militant group.
- Abdolmalek Rigi (Portrayed by Armin Rahimian): Abdolhamid’s younger brother and the notorious leader of the Jundallah (Soldiers of God) organization. Abdolmalek was responsible for numerous kidnappings, bombings, and attacks in Iran, primarily targeting security forces and civilians in the Sistan and Baluchestan region.
- Narges Abyar (Director/Writer): One of Iran's most prominent female filmmakers. Abyar is known for tackling difficult and sensitive subjects, often focusing on the experiences of women during conflict. Her previous work includes Track 143 and Breath.
- Fereshteh Sadre Orafaee: Portrayed Abdolhamid Rigi's mother, winning the Best Supporting Actress award for her complex role as a woman torn between her sons and the moral implications of their actions.
Unpacking the Shocking Plot: Love, Terror, and Jundallah
The film begins innocently enough, establishing the burgeoning romance between Faezah and Abdolhamid in Tehran. Their cultural differences—Faezah being from the capital and Abdolhamid from the border region—add an initial layer of tension that foreshadows the greater conflict to come.
The narrative takes a dark turn when the couple relocates to the volatile Sistan and Baluchestan province, close to the border with Pakistan. This is where Faezah begins to uncover Abdolhamid’s sinister secret: his family’s deep ties to the Jundallah terrorist organization.
Jundallah, led by the charismatic yet brutal Abdolmalek Rigi, was designated a terrorist group by Iran and several other countries. The organization’s activities, which included cross-border raids and the kidnapping and execution of Iranian citizens, are brought to chilling life through Faezah’s perspective.
As Abdolhamid becomes more entrenched in the group’s operations, Faezah's dream of a happy marriage collapses into a nightmare of fear and isolation. The film vividly portrays the psychological and physical entrapment she faces, culminating in a devastating climax that reveals the ultimate price of her love and loyalty. The true story concludes with the eventual capture and execution of both Abdolmalek Rigi (in 2010) and Abdolhamid Rigi, though the film focuses heavily on Faezah’s personal tragedy.
A Cinematic Triumph: Record-Breaking Awards and Critical Acclaim
The critical reception for When the Moon Was Full was overwhelmingly positive, solidifying its place as a landmark film in Iranian cinema. The movie’s success at the 37th Fajr Film Festival in 2019 was unprecedented, demonstrating the film’s powerful impact on both critics and audiences.
The 6 Major Simorgh Wins:
- Best Film: The most prestigious award, cementing its status as the year’s best production.
- Best Director (Narges Abyar): A significant win for Abyar, recognizing her courageous and skillful handling of the sensitive subject matter.
- Best Actor (Houtan Shakiba): Shakiba’s nuanced portrayal of the conflicted and ultimately destructive Abdolhamid Rigi earned him high praise.
- Best Actress (Elnaz Shakerdoost): Shakerdoost’s emotionally raw performance as the trapped Faezah Mansuri was widely celebrated as the peak of her career.
- Best Supporting Actress (Fereshteh Sadre Orafaee): Recognizing the complexity she brought to the role of the Rigi matriarch.
- Best Makeup: A nod to the technical excellence that helped bring the harsh realities of the region and the characters to life.
The sweep of the main acting and directing awards is a rare feat, signaling a consensus on the film's artistic merit and its powerful performances. The film’s success extended beyond Iran, gaining international recognition at various film festivals, which further amplified the tragic story of Faezah Mansuri to a global audience.
The Controversial Legacy and Topical Authority
While celebrated for its artistry, When the Moon Was Full is not without controversy. The film touches on deep-seated political and ethnic tensions in Iran, particularly concerning the Baluchi people and the volatile Sistan and Baluchestan border. The depiction of the Rigi family and the Jundallah group's activities is a sensitive topic that sparked debate about the film’s historical accuracy and political framing.
Director Narges Abyar, however, emphasized that her focus was primarily on the human story of Faezah and the personal tragedy caused by extremism, rather than a political commentary. The film’s success in weaving together elements of a traditional love story (a popular genre) with a hard-hitting political thriller (a niche genre) is a key reason for its lasting topical authority in discussions of Iranian cinema and true crime dramas.
The film serves as an important cultural document, bringing the story of the Rigi brothers—Abdolmalek and Abdolhamid—and the devastation wrought by Jundallah into the mainstream consciousness. It highlights the devastating impact of cross-border terrorism, a theme that remains highly relevant in the region today, especially concerning the relationship between Iran and Pakistan.
For cinephiles and those interested in geopolitical thrillers, When the Moon Was Full is a crucial viewing experience. Its technical brilliance, coupled with the raw, emotional performances of Elnaz Shakerdoost and Houtan Shakiba, ensures the film's place as a modern classic. As of late 2025, the film continues to be screened and discussed in international academic and cinematic circles, underscoring its enduring power and relevance.
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