films.htm

            An amazing true story of a poor area of Tehran, some people inform the local welfare authorities that one
            of their neighbors is keeping his twin 11-year-old girls, Zahra and Masume locked up in his house and they
            have been living virtually as prisoners of their poor father and blind mother. Originally released as a motion
            picture in 1997. Directed by Samira Makhmalbaf. Produced by MK2 Productions / Makhmalbaf Productions.
            Distributed by Iranstore.

2.
Bashu, The Little Stranger / Bashu, gharibeh kouchak 1992 120 min 65-V4815 [UNC]

            Little Bashu loses his home and family in an air raid and instinctively flees to a region far away from the battle
            fronts. In this alien environment everything seems strange to the boy. Nai, a woman whose husband has gone
            on a journey, finds Bashu in her farm and gives him shelter. After Bashu tells her of his past life, Nai accepts
            him as a son and tries to initiate him into the ways of lifein the region. relatives and neighbours. When Nai's
            husband returns home he approves of his wife's decision and adopts Bashu. Originally released as a motion
            picture in 1990. Persian dialogue with English subtitles. Directed by Bahram Beizai. Produced by Ali Reza
            Zarrin. Published by International Home Cinema, Inc.

            Set in the period just prior to the Islamic Revolution the story is inspired by the filmmakers's own painful
            experiences. Valeh, a member of a leftist organization, is arrested and is sentenced to death. In prison, he
            reconsiders his beliefs and comes to doubt the validity of the ideas for which he is condemned. At the same
            time, his prison comrades are pressuring him to make a sacrifice for their cause. Persian with English subtitles.
            Written and directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Published by Farabi Cinema Foundation. Distributed by
            Facets Video.

            This film offers insights into the lives of women in Iran. As the narrative dynamically shifts from woman to
            woman, their stories culminate with tremendous potency, transforming a shared sense of dispair and injustice
            into one of kinship and even hope. Originally released as a motion picture in 2000 under title: Dayereh. Golden
            Lion, Best Film, 2000 Venice Film Festival. Fipresci Grand Prize, Best Film of the Year. Persian with English
            subtitles. Directed by Jafar Panahi. Published by New York, NY : Fox Lorber Films. Distributed by Winstar
            TV and Video.

            Hassan, a peasant, is the only one in his small and poor village lucky enough to own a cow. He spoils the cow
            like a child and lives in perpetual fear that the inhabitants of a neighboring and hostile village will steal his cow.
            One day, when Hassan is out of the village at work, the cow dies. The villagers bury the cow and tell Hassan it
            wandered off. Hassan can't believe it. In his sorrow and astonishment, he takes the place of his cow. Based upon
            the work by Ghulam Husayn Sa‘idi, The Cow was originally produced as a 16mm motion picture in 1969.
            Persian dialogue with English subtitles. Directed by Dariush Mehrjui. Published by Iranian Movies.

            Nazim, formerly a cyclist, but now a lowly Afghan guest worker in Iran, must overcome many obstacles in his
            attempt to ride a bicycle continuously for seven days and nights, in order to obtain money to pay for medical care
            for his desperately ill wife. Originally released as a motion picture in 1989. Persian with English subtitles.
            Written & directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Published by Facets Video.

            Khosro is sent from the president's office on a fact-finding mission to Shiraz, to investigate the complaints of a
            female political prisoner awaiting execution. Khosro's wife Fereshteh, being of the same generation as the
            prisoner, decides to do something about her situation. Fereshteh writes of her own participation in the revolution
            of 1980, of which her husband is unaware. In his hotel room in Shiraz, Khosro begins to read his wife's memoirs
            the night before he is to visit the prisoner. Persian with English subtitles. Directed by Tahmine Milani. Produced
            by Tahmine Milani and Mohammad Nikbin. Published by the Iranian Film Society.

8.
Images from the Qajar Dynasty (1992 18 min); School blown away by the wind (1996 8 min) 9347 [Duke]

            Images from the Qajar Dynasty: A short documentary made while the filmmaker was preparing his acclaimed
            feature. Once upon a Time Cinema. The Qajar (aka Ghajar) family ruled Iran from 1785-1925. The film shows
            rare photos and early films shot at the Shah's court, along with family portraits. School blown away by the wind:
            The school for nomad seen in the film Gabbeh, is the subject of this heartwarming drama. An old man
            visits the classroom, and at first mistaken for an inspector, eventually is revealed as a former teacher of nomad
            children who has stopped by to refresh his memories of this happy time in his life. Written and directed by
            Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Published by Farabi Cinema Foundation. Distributed by Facets Video.

            An Iranian feature film which takes place in 1930's Tehran where a sinister brother and sister plot to dispose of
            their recently widowed sister-in-law in order to obtain her inheritance. Originally released as a motion picture in
            1991 in Iran. Persian with English subtitles. Written and directed by Varush Karim-Masihi. Produced by M.
            Modarresi. Published by Facets Video.

            A wife in Iran who cannot have children is pressured by her in-laws into persuading her husband to take another
            wife so that he may have sons. A portrayal of the clash between tradition and modern marriage in Iran. Persian
            with English subtitles. Directed and produced by Dariush Mehrjui. Published by First Run/Icarus Films

            A father and son travel to Quoker and meet earthquake survivors who desperately and valiantly work to
            reconstruct their lives. The film investigates the aftermath of a devastating 1990 earthquake which killed some
            50,000 people in northern Iran. "Part two of an unforgettable trilogy (with Where is the friend's home? and
            Through the olive trees) set in northern Iran." Originally released as a motion picture in 1992. Sound track in
            Persian; subtitles in English. Written and directed by Abbas Kiarostami. Published by Facets Video.

            Haji, a shell-shocked veteran of the Iran-Iraq war, struggles to find meaning in his life when he returns to his job
            as a photojournalist. Disturbed by the contrast between the soldiers sacrificing their lives and the indifference of
            the local population of Tehran, he sinks into depression. Mehri, his fiancée, hopes to speed his recovery by
            hastening their wedding, but they find they must defy the hypocrisy of their families and authorities as they strive
            to create a life together. Persian with English subtitles. Written and directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Published
            by Farabi Cinema Foundation. Distributed by Facets Video.

            “At age 17, while a member of an anti-Shah militant group, Makhmalbaf attacked a policeman in an attempt to
            steal his gun. He stabbed the officer with a knife and took a bullet in return. The policeman went to the hospital;
            Makhmalbaf went to a torture chamber hosted by the dreaded SAVAK secret police. He stayed there until the
            1979 Islamic Revolution. Twenty years later, the filmmaker placed an ad in the paper to recruit actors for Salaam
            Cinema. The same wounded officer responded to the ad."--www.IranianMovies.com. Originally produced as a
            motion picture in 1996. Persian dialogue with English subtitles. Written and directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf.
            Produced by Pakhsh Iran. Published by Mongrel Media.

Two poor boys compete for an apprenticeship in a printshop. Persian dialogue, English subtitles. Originally
released as a motion picture in 1991. Directed by Alireza Davudnezhad. Published by Facets Video.

            This is an Iranian Comedy in which a cinematographer introduces movies to the Persian court. The Shah initially
            opposes the new medium but he falls in love with the film's heroine. Originally released as a motion picture in
            1992 in Iran. Persian with English subtitles. Written & directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Produced by Masud
            Jafari Jozani

            Following up on his masterfully told art house successes, The Children of Heaven and The Color of Paradise,
            Majid Majidi directs this quietly affecting tale about illegal Afghan immigrants living and working in Iran.
            Persian with English subtitles. Written and directed by Majid Majidi. Published by Miramax Home
            Entertainment.

            A young girl's desire for a pretty goldfish her family cannot afford sparks an adventure in this film that won the
            award for best first film at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival. Persian with English subtitles. Directed by Jafar
            Panahi. Produced by Ferdos Film Company. Published by Evergreen Entertainment.

            This film is a drama that explores the nature of sex discrimination against women in Iran. Zinat runs a health
            clinic in southern Iran. When she becomes engaged to Hamed his mother demands that she quit her job.
            Originally released as a motion picture in 1994 in Iran. Persian with English subtitles. Written and directed by
            Ebrahim Mokhtari. Published by Facets Video.

The Children of Heaven/Bacheha-Ye aseman. 1997, 89 min, 65-V7903
While running errands for his mother, Ali misplaces his younger sister's shoes. He searches everywhere he can for the shoes but can't find them. He returns home distraught but convinces his sister Zahra that he will find them. When it is obvious that he can not recover the shoes, the two children share Ali's sneakers, a choice that affects each of them in odd, compelling ways. A truly graceful film from Iran revolving around the trust and love the two children have for and in one another. Children of Heaven evokes images and moments from a number of films - Bicycle Thief, The Red Balloon, and the Iranian White Balloon among others. Children of Heaven is a beautifully photographed parable set in an Iran those of us in the west don't often see depicted. Ali and Zahra's steadfastness towards one another gives the film its center - the children playing the roles are expressive and charming but remain believable at all times. The entire film is told from the children's perspective which keeps its focus clear. Trivia: One can help but notice the subtle differences in the daily school lives of the children-for Zahra and the girls, everything seems far more regimented in and out of the classroom. The color and difference among the girls is literally seen on their feet at the moments Zahra looks on the feet of her schoolmates for something that looks like her shoes. The boys, though subject to rules, do not appear bound in the same ways - boisterousness is not unexpected. Another fascinating element of life in Iran is the that of class, observed when Ali and his father seek extra work gardening. They must address potential clients through the speakers on the gated doors of the rich. With: Mohammad Amir Naji as Ali and Mir Farrokh Hashemian as Zahra. Notes: Screenplay by Majid Majidi. Produced by Mohammad Sared Seyedzadah. Cinematography by Parviz Malekzade. Edited by Hassan Hassandoost. Awards: Best Foreign Film nominee 1998. Grand Prix du Americas, Montreal Film Festival, 1997.

20. The Wind will Carry Us/Bad ma-ra khwahad bord. 1999, 118 min., 65- DVD1950 [UNC]

"This film depicts the history of Iran, from its beginnings in 500 BC, through centuries of change, into modern times. Throughout its long history, Iran has preserved the spirit of the Persian people." (official description). Actually, this is a film of the incredibly opulent celebration of 2500 years of Persian kingship staged by the Shah in 1971 as part of his nationalist program. The Shah's address to the tomb of Cyrus is amazing. Narrated by Orson Welles. Directed by Shahrokh Golestan. Produced by National Film Board of Iran.

            Probes the attitudes of Iranians towards the war with Iraq that has claimed over 500,000 casualties since its
            beginning on September 22, 1980. Iranians from all walks of life explain their uncompromising adherence to
            Islam and the orders of their Islamic leadership as well as acceptance and desire for martyrdom in the defense of
            their faith and their spiritual dignity. Directed by by Ron Hallis. Produced by Hallis Media. Published by Icarus
            Films.

            Screened here in the first of three parts, (34 minutes) narrated in English, which surveys recent Iranian history
            from the downfall of the Shah to the present - from the official Iranian point of view. Reports on economic and
            agricultural progress are glowing. A second 20-minute segment with English subtitles briefly covers nomadic
            migration and crafts, emphasizing wool and the making of felt. A third 4-minute scene of a three man
            ensemble accompanying a folk song concludes the tape.

1.
        Introduction to Ta'ziyeh    1988    13 min    65-V2086 [UNC]
            This is a brief explanatory introduction to Ta’ziyeh - a Persian passion play - the dramatized Shi’i mourning
            rites commemorating the killing of Husayn in 680 CE and presented yearly during the month of Muhrram.

2.
        O Deer Savior    1971    22 min    65-V807 [UNC]
        This spectacular film records one day at the Shi’i shrine of Imam Reza at Mashad, Iran with only natural
        sounds heightening the implicit drama. Knowledge of Shi’i orthopraxy is an essential prerequisite for
        appreciation of this rich documentary. Directed by Parviz Kimiavi.

An Ayatollah Speaks: insights into Islam in Iran. 2002, 23 min, 65-V9019 [UNC]
On pilgrimage at Mecca, Ayatollah Mahdi Hadavi Tehrani seeks to dispel American misperceptions of the Muslim religion, culture and life in Iran. During this ABC news interview, the Ayatollah discusses what his position means and describes the relationship Muslim’s have with Allah. He also explains the differences between Islamist extremism and Islam. Later in the interview, he also talks about the symbolism of the burqa and the opportunities Muslim women have in Iranian society. This program originally aired via Nightline on February 20th, 2002.

            Looks inside an Iranian divorce court and shows how some women are treated under the current Iranian
            interpretation of Islamic law. Directed by Kim Longinotto & Ziba Mir-Hosseini. Published byWomen Make
            Movies

2.
The lovers' wind: an Iranian tale / Bad-i saba va raqs-i surmah 120 min 65-V4582 [UNC]

            This documentary features aerial, panoramic views and narration that present the diverse geography, civilization
            and culture of Iran. Main feature followed by a separately titled sequence, Rounama, of a dance depicting Iranian
            wedding customs and ritual prevalent in the old days. Rounama followed by previews of other videocassettes
            available from Pars Video. Title proper and narration in English; material supplementary to main feature has
            Persian sound. Directed by Albert Lamorisse. Published by Pars Video.

3.

            Describes the largest yearly movement of nomadic people in the world, the Bakhtiari migration in southern Iran
            which takes about five weeks and covers 200 miles. Points out the hazards of the migration. Edited from the
            1973 motion picture of the same title. Directed by Howarth & Kopp. Published by Anthony-David Productions.

            A documentary in which Merian C. Cooper, Ernest Schoedsack, and Marguerite Harrison travel through Asia
            Minor and Iraq to reach a tribe of nomads in Iran known as the Bakhtyari. They follow the tribe on its forty-eight
            day trek across deserts, streams, and mountains to reach pasture for their flocks. These three people were the first
            Westerners to cross the Zardeh Kuh Pass and the first to make this migration with the tribes. Originally released
            by Paramount as a motion picture in 1925. Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. Published
            by Milestone Film & Video

            A documentary in which the Babadi, a nomadic tribe belonging to the Bakhtiaries of Iran, annually migrate
            across the Zagros Mountains from winter to summer pasture with their herds of sheep. The people are led by Jafar
            Qoli, the Kalanter (chief) of the Babadi groups who assumes responsibility for the trek. "An astonishing epic of
            the most grueling migration in the world." Originally issued as motion picture in 1977. Some Iranian with
            English subtitles and English narration. Oscar nominee for Best Documentary. Directed by Anthony Howarth.
            Produced by Anthony Howarth and David Koff. Published by Milestone Film & Video.

1.
Dreams Betrayed: a study of political cinema in Iran, 1969-1979 1985 90 min 65-V892 [UNC]

            A documentary examining the political cinema of Iran from 1969 to 1979 before the fall of the Shah, this film is a
            series of interviews with exiled Iranian filmmakers who discuss their works and with U.S. and British academics
            who have analyzed those works. Representative footage of the films under discussion are on the videotape
            program as well. Interviews in English ; Persian-language film excerpts subtitled in English. Written, produced,
            and directed by Jamsheed Akrami.

            “Iranian Journey is a fascinating documentary portrait of a remarkable woman who is the first female busdriver in
            the Muslim world. It follows Masoumeh Soltan Bolaghie as she drives her bus on a 20-hour journey from the
            Iranian capital, Tehran, to the port city of Bandar Abbas on the Gulf coast. Along the way she passes through
            deserts, ancient town, mountainous countryside and the minaretted holy city of Qom. This thoughtful and richly
            textured documentary explores the change in the lives and roles of women in a period of transition in Iran. In a
            country where women's choices, including what they wear, are restricted by legal and religious doctrine,
            Masoumeh is a symbol of determination for changes to take place in Islamic society." The film centers of the
            story of Masoumeh but it also chronicles, both pictorially and sociologically, life in present day Iran. In the
            religious city of Qom, we learn, there is a noted women's medical college. Yazd, a stop along the route is the
            home of Zorastians. Artisans and workers along the route are interviewed about their driver, their lives, their
            destinations. Directed by Maysoon Pachachi. Produced by Iraj Emami and Noura Sakkaf.