|
Women in Iranian Film
March 14-17, 2001
Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue at 70th Street, New York City
 Iran continues to produce some of the most exciting films in the world today. One of its film industry's intriguing paradoxes is the increasing number of women filmmakers who are producing outstanding work, despite the status of women in post-revolutionary Iran. Selections include recent features, shorts and documentaries by and about women, from both the well established and the up and coming, and from both within and outside Iran.
Guest-curated by Rose Issa with special thanks to Jamsheed Akrami and all of the filmmakers, producers and distributors.
 Two Women/Do Zan
(Tahmineh Milani/1999/95 min.)
Thursday, March 14, 7:00 p.m
Two college friends meet after fifteen years of separation. Fereshteh's (Niki Karimi) life has been effectively ruined by a stalker while Roya has succeeded in finding happiness. A disturbing insight into how a woman's destiny is at the mercy of inflexible patriarchal laws and attitudes.
 Daughters of the Sun/Dokhtaran-e Khorsid
(Maryam Shahriar/2000/90 min.)
Friday March 15, 7:00 p.m.
In her debut feature, Shahriar tells the poignant story of a young woman who leaves her village and dresses as a man in order to find better paid work so she can care for her sick mother. Featuring Altinay Ghelich Taghani as the gender-reversing figure in the central role.
Friendly Persuasion: Iranian Cinema After the Revolution
(Jamsheed Akrami/2000/99 min./video)
Saturday, March 16, 2:00 p.m.
This feature-length documentary examines Iranian cinema through commentary, scene analysis, and interviews with three generations of Iranian filmmakers from new-wave visionaries (Abbas Kiarostami, Dariush Mehrjui, Bahram Bayzai, Masoud Kimiai) to post-revolutionary trailbalzers (Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Rakhshan Bani Etemad, Ebraheem Hatami Kia), and the emerging new generation (Majid Majidi, Jafar Panahi, Tahmineh Milani). They address issues of international success, censorship codes, banning Hollywood films, role of government, representation of women, and a world-class children's film movement. Filmmaker present.
Under the Skin of the City/Zir Poust Shahr
 (Rakhshan Bani-Etemad/2000/92 min.)
Saturday, March 16, 4:30 p.m.
The latest hard-hitting drama by Iran's foremost female director is set against the 1997 Parliamentary elections. A beleaguered working class family in the suburbs of Tehran struggles to make ends meet, with the mother working in a factory to support her bed-ridden husband and children. Her eldest son Abbas (Mohammed-Reza Foroutan) schemes to improve his family's lot, but becomes entangled in a circle of deceit, putting the family's savings and safety at risk.
But You Speak Such Good English
(Marjan Safinia & Parisa Taghizadeh /1999/25 min./video)
Sunday, March 17, 2:00 p.m.
This witty documentary takes a wry look at young, first-generation Iranians in London talking about nostalgia, exile, soccer and national identity. Filmmaker Marjan Safinia present.
plus
To Have or Not to Have/Dashtan Va Nadashtan
(Niki Karimi/2001/52 min./video)
Niki Karimi, one of Iran's most acclaimed actresses, directs this documentary that looks at the problems facing childless couples in a society where infertility is a leading cause of divorce. Produced by Abbas Kiarostami.
Waiting for Vahid
(Delphine Minoui/1999/26 min./video)
Sunday, March 17, 4:30 p.m.
For the first time since the 1979 revolution an Iranian theatre group goes to Paris to perform an Iranian version of 'Waiting for Godot', but the young director, Vahid, is obliged to remain in Iran to complete his military service. Minoui's modern fable reveals a new generation of Iranians torn between the attractions of the west and their attachments to their traditions.
plus
 Divorce Iranian Style
(Kim Longinotto and Ziba Mir Hosseini/1998/80 min./16mm)
Hilarious, tragic and stirring, the filmmakers record several weeks in an Iranian divorce court, allowing the women tell their own stories showing the strength and ingenuity with which they confront biased laws and their families' and husbands' fury to gain divorces. Longinotto is the director of 'Dream Girls and Hidden Faces', Ziba Mir-Hosseini is the author of 'Marriage on Trial: A Study of Islamic Family Law'.
Films programs at the Asia Society are made possible with generous support from Dr. John C. Weber.
Guest-curated by Rose Issa with special thanks to Jamsheed Akrami, Farabi Cinema Foundation, Facets Multimedia, Iranian Film Society, Women Make Movies, Reflect.
All screenings $7 members; $10 nonmembers.
For tickets call (212) 517-ASIA (2742) or boxoffice@asiasoc.org
Asia Society and Museum
725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street)
New York, NY 10021
|
