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FACETS EXCLUSIVES: IRANIAN CINEMA N-Z
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Mideast/Mid-Asian
OUR TIMES
Directed by Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, 2002
This fascinating documentary focuses on the Iranian elections of 2002 and the role of women in Iranian society as Bani-Etemad follows a group of women who run for office and gradually narrows her view to the plight of one woman who attempts an heroic but unsuccessful run for the presidency. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, 2002
This fascinating documentary focuses on the Iranian elections of 2002 and the role of women in Iranian society as Bani-Etemad follows a group of women who run for office and gradually narrows her view to the plight of one woman who attempts an heroic but unsuccessful run for the presidency. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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PARTY
Directed by Saman Moghadam, 2000
Amin Haghi, a young writer for Iran's most liberal magazine, is accused of insulting the state when he publishes his dead brother's war memoirs. As he sits in jail, his girlfriend and buddies try to make bail so the young man can be free while awaiting trial. After little success, someone hits upon the idea of renting out Amin's family home for celebrations and special occasions. The plan succeeds until the home is rented for a raucous party with alcohol and loud western music. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Saman Moghadam, 2000
Amin Haghi, a young writer for Iran's most liberal magazine, is accused of insulting the state when he publishes his dead brother's war memoirs. As he sits in jail, his girlfriend and buddies try to make bail so the young man can be free while awaiting trial. After little success, someone hits upon the idea of renting out Amin's family home for celebrations and special occasions. The plan succeeds until the home is rented for a raucous party with alcohol and loud western music. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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THE PASTRY GIRL
Directed by Iraj Tahmasb, 2002
For 20 years, Saeed has been trying to marry homely pastry chef Niloo, but his father has used one ploy after another to block the marriage. This hilarious Iranian farce about marriage customs and social conventions is the third film directed by Tahmasb, a recognized master of children's puppet theater as well as an actor and filmmaker. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Iraj Tahmasb, 2002
For 20 years, Saeed has been trying to marry homely pastry chef Niloo, but his father has used one ploy after another to block the marriage. This hilarious Iranian farce about marriage customs and social conventions is the third film directed by Tahmasb, a recognized master of children's puppet theater as well as an actor and filmmaker. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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PAYBACK
Directed by Tahmineh Milani, 2010
Tahmineh Milani once again pushes the envelope with this double-edged comedy-drama about a recently paroled woman who talks three other ex-cons into a get-rich-quick scheme. The scheme involves fleecing gullible men who are on the make even though they are married. Despite the storyline's darker implications, Milani (Cease Fire, Super Star) manages to infuse the film with some comic high jinks, particularly when the four young women turn the tables on their would-be male predators. In Persian with English subtitles.
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Directed by Tahmineh Milani, 2010
Tahmineh Milani once again pushes the envelope with this double-edged comedy-drama about a recently paroled woman who talks three other ex-cons into a get-rich-quick scheme. The scheme involves fleecing gullible men who are on the make even though they are married. Despite the storyline's darker implications, Milani (Cease Fire, Super Star) manages to infuse the film with some comic high jinks, particularly when the four young women turn the tables on their would-be male predators. In Persian with English subtitles.
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THE PEAR TREE
Directed by Dariush Mehrjui, 1998
As a renowned author, Mahmoud feels pressure to compose his next great novel, but he is suffering from writer's block. He harkens back to a happier time when he was a shy, awkward 11-year-old on his family's lush estate in Tehran. He recalls his 14-year-old cousin, a tomboy who is nonetheless a ravishing beauty. She revels in the power that she has over him. That adolescent girl of long ago — or the memory of her — becomes the muse that inspires him. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Dariush Mehrjui, 1998
As a renowned author, Mahmoud feels pressure to compose his next great novel, but he is suffering from writer's block. He harkens back to a happier time when he was a shy, awkward 11-year-old on his family's lush estate in Tehran. He recalls his 14-year-old cousin, a tomboy who is nonetheless a ravishing beauty. She revels in the power that she has over him. That adolescent girl of long ago — or the memory of her — becomes the muse that inspires him. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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THE PROTEST
Directed by Massoud Kimiayi, 2000
Amir serves 12 years in prison for killing the unfaithful fiancée of his brother—an act he considered necessary to restore his family's honor. In jail, he is treated like a hero, but, upon his release, he finds that his country has changed. Amir is now considered barbaric. In Persian with English subtitles.
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Directed by Massoud Kimiayi, 2000
Amir serves 12 years in prison for killing the unfaithful fiancée of his brother—an act he considered necessary to restore his family's honor. In jail, he is treated like a hero, but, upon his release, he finds that his country has changed. Amir is now considered barbaric. In Persian with English subtitles.
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SANTOURI THE MUSIC MAN
Directed by Dariush Mehrjui, 2007
From celebrated veteran Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui comes this contemporary drama about a musician who plays the santoor, an ancient stringed instrument. Unfortunately, Santouri is also addicted to heroin, which takes an emotional and physical toll. His life takes a tragic downward spiral after authorities ban him from playing in public and his wife leaves him. In Persian with English subtitles.
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Directed by Dariush Mehrjui, 2007
From celebrated veteran Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui comes this contemporary drama about a musician who plays the santoor, an ancient stringed instrument. Unfortunately, Santouri is also addicted to heroin, which takes an emotional and physical toll. His life takes a tragic downward spiral after authorities ban him from playing in public and his wife leaves him. In Persian with English subtitles.
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SARA
Directed by Dariush Mehrjui, 1992
Prolific director Dariush Mehrjui chose to adapt Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House as his followup to the ground-breaking Hamoun. Appropriately submissive, Sara is a suitable wife to Hessam until he requires expensive emergency surgery abroad. She obtains the money for his operation through a shady loan and spends the next three years secretly paying it off so as not to sully his male pride. In Persian with English subtitles.
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Directed by Dariush Mehrjui, 1992
Prolific director Dariush Mehrjui chose to adapt Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House as his followup to the ground-breaking Hamoun. Appropriately submissive, Sara is a suitable wife to Hessam until he requires expensive emergency surgery abroad. She obtains the money for his operation through a shady loan and spends the next three years secretly paying it off so as not to sully his male pride. In Persian with English subtitles.
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SIAVASH
Directed by Saman Moghadam, 1998
Rock musician Siavash is set to play in his band's first live show, when he decides to visit the tomb of his father--killed in the Iran-Iraq War--to seek his blessing. After the concert is a success, a friend reveals that Siavash's father was not martyred in the war but instead has returned to Tehran with other POWs. Distraught and confused, the young musician turns to his photojournalist girlfriend for help and support. In Persian with English subtitles.
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Directed by Saman Moghadam, 1998
Rock musician Siavash is set to play in his band's first live show, when he decides to visit the tomb of his father--killed in the Iran-Iraq War--to seek his blessing. After the concert is a success, a friend reveals that Siavash's father was not martyred in the war but instead has returned to Tehran with other POWs. Distraught and confused, the young musician turns to his photojournalist girlfriend for help and support. In Persian with English subtitles.
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SNOWMAN
Directed by Davoud Mirbagheri, 1995
A hotly debated comedy from Iran, Snowman tells the story of young Abbas, a man desperate to immigrate to America, the land of his dreams. Abbas is so desperate that he dresses as a woman in the hopes of marrying an American man so he can become a U.S. citizen. But, how long can he go until he is discovered? In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Davoud Mirbagheri, 1995
A hotly debated comedy from Iran, Snowman tells the story of young Abbas, a man desperate to immigrate to America, the land of his dreams. Abbas is so desperate that he dresses as a woman in the hopes of marrying an American man so he can become a U.S. citizen. But, how long can he go until he is discovered? In Farsi with English subtitles.
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SOUL MATE
Directed by Mehdi Fakhim-Zadeh, 2004
From Iranian actor-director Mehdi Fakhim-zadeh comes this searing drama about Behrouz, a man who has recently been released from an asylum and has had several bouts of madness. Behrouz meets Shirin, and the pair impulsively decide to get married, beginning a series of life adventures for the odd couple. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Mehdi Fakhim-Zadeh, 2004
From Iranian actor-director Mehdi Fakhim-zadeh comes this searing drama about Behrouz, a man who has recently been released from an asylum and has had several bouts of madness. Behrouz meets Shirin, and the pair impulsively decide to get married, beginning a series of life adventures for the odd couple. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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SUPERSTAR
Directed by Tahmineh Milani, 2009
Shahab Hosseini offers an award-winning performance as movie star Kurosh Zand, who is an egotistical, spoiled celebrity. When little Raha comes forward and claims to be his long-lost daughter from a brief affair, Zand allows her to live with him until the results of the paternity test are known. Raha soon brings out the best in Zand, and his meaningless lifestyle begins to change for the better. In Persian with English subtitles.
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Directed by Tahmineh Milani, 2009
Shahab Hosseini offers an award-winning performance as movie star Kurosh Zand, who is an egotistical, spoiled celebrity. When little Raha comes forward and claims to be his long-lost daughter from a brief affair, Zand allows her to live with him until the results of the paternity test are known. Raha soon brings out the best in Zand, and his meaningless lifestyle begins to change for the better. In Persian with English subtitles.
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TAMBOURINE
Directed by Parisa Bakhtavar, 2008
In this sparkling comedy by Parisa Bakhtavar, a pretty but poor young girl gets into a fender bender with her father’s car. She solicits the help of her savvy friend who sells bootleg videos in an upscale condo building. The pair descends on the building with the hopes of making some fast money. Their adventures and misadventures with the condo residents provide a comic look at contemporary Iranian life. In Persian with English subtitles.
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Directed by Parisa Bakhtavar, 2008
In this sparkling comedy by Parisa Bakhtavar, a pretty but poor young girl gets into a fender bender with her father’s car. She solicits the help of her savvy friend who sells bootleg videos in an upscale condo building. The pair descends on the building with the hopes of making some fast money. Their adventures and misadventures with the condo residents provide a comic look at contemporary Iranian life. In Persian with English subtitles.
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A THOUSAND WOMEN LIKE ME
Directed by Reza Karimi, 2000
Sharzad, a lawyer in modern-day Tehran, loses custody of her seven-year-old son after her divorce from a powerful businessman. The boy's diabetes is made worse because the father is more interested in work than in domestic duties, and the young mother finds herself doing her exhusband's chores during her twice-weekly visits. The situation forces Sharzard to take matters into her own hands. In Persian with English subtitles.
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Directed by Reza Karimi, 2000
Sharzad, a lawyer in modern-day Tehran, loses custody of her seven-year-old son after her divorce from a powerful businessman. The boy's diabetes is made worse because the father is more interested in work than in domestic duties, and the young mother finds herself doing her exhusband's chores during her twice-weekly visits. The situation forces Sharzard to take matters into her own hands. In Persian with English subtitles.
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TICKETS
Directed by Abbas Kiarostami, Ken Loach, & Ermanno Olmi, 2005
Three of the world's most celebrated directors join together to direct a trilogy of interwoven stories set during a train journey from Central Europe to Rome. The characters connect through casual encounters but the stories are related through their themes of social status, the mystery of chance, and sacrifice. In Italian, English, Albanian, and Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Abbas Kiarostami, Ken Loach, & Ermanno Olmi, 2005
Three of the world's most celebrated directors join together to direct a trilogy of interwoven stories set during a train journey from Central Europe to Rome. The characters connect through casual encounters but the stories are related through their themes of social status, the mystery of chance, and sacrifice. In Italian, English, Albanian, and Farsi with English subtitles.
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20 FINGERS
Directed by Mania Akbari, 2004
Mania Akbari explores the heartbreak and joy of romantic relationships through the stories of seven couples searching for happiness. Composed of seven vignettes, the film features the same two actors in each episode, playing different characters. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Mania Akbari, 2004
Mania Akbari explores the heartbreak and joy of romantic relationships through the stories of seven couples searching for happiness. Composed of seven vignettes, the film features the same two actors in each episode, playing different characters. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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TWILIGHT
Directed by Hassan Hedayat, 2002
Ezzatollah Entezami, one of Iranian cinema's most honored actors, heads a strong cast as a veteran police inspector who begins to feel the effect of his life's work. Overcome with loneliness and his own impending mortality, he begins to imagine seeing his dead wife as he investigates a murder case involving an elderly drug addict who washed up on a beach. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Hassan Hedayat, 2002
Ezzatollah Entezami, one of Iranian cinema's most honored actors, heads a strong cast as a veteran police inspector who begins to feel the effect of his life's work. Overcome with loneliness and his own impending mortality, he begins to imagine seeing his dead wife as he investigates a murder case involving an elderly drug addict who washed up on a beach. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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THE TWILIGHT
Directed by Mohammad Rosoulof, 2002
Documentary director Mohammad Rosoulof makes an impressive feature debut with this simple but powerful true story of prison life in Iran, featuring real-life prisoners playing themselves. A prison warden decides that in order to rehabilitate a repeat offender, he should allow him to marry a female prisoner. When they are finally freed, they see a chance to have a normal life together, not expecting the cruel society that awaits them. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Mohammad Rosoulof, 2002
Documentary director Mohammad Rosoulof makes an impressive feature debut with this simple but powerful true story of prison life in Iran, featuring real-life prisoners playing themselves. A prison warden decides that in order to rehabilitate a repeat offender, he should allow him to marry a female prisoner. When they are finally freed, they see a chance to have a normal life together, not expecting the cruel society that awaits them. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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TWO WOMEN
Directed by Tahmineh Milani, 1999
A dramatic story of two women in modern Iran, from the director of Hidden Half.
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Directed by Tahmineh Milani, 1999
A dramatic story of two women in modern Iran, from the director of Hidden Half.
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UNDER THE MOONLIGHT
Directed by Seyyed Reza Mir-Karimi, 2001
Seminary student Seyyed Hassan is about to rise to the status of cleric when his vestments are stolen just before the ceremony by a young boy. Seyyed tracks the thief to a distant suburb, where many of the poor residents have never seen a cleric and know little about them. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Seyyed Reza Mir-Karimi, 2001
Seminary student Seyyed Hassan is about to rise to the status of cleric when his vestments are stolen just before the ceremony by a young boy. Seyyed tracks the thief to a distant suburb, where many of the poor residents have never seen a cleric and know little about them. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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UNWANTED WOMAN
Directed by Tamineh Milani, 2005
From acclaimed director Tahmineh Milani (Two Women; The Fifth Reaction) comes this searing tale about the struggles of women in modern-day Iran. In a country where unmarried couples can be arrested for fraternizing in public, Ahmad needs Sima (his wife) to pretend that Saba (his lover) is his cousin -- a situation that proves both humiliating and dangerous. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Tamineh Milani, 2005
From acclaimed director Tahmineh Milani (Two Women; The Fifth Reaction) comes this searing tale about the struggles of women in modern-day Iran. In a country where unmarried couples can be arrested for fraternizing in public, Ahmad needs Sima (his wife) to pretend that Saba (his lover) is his cousin -- a situation that proves both humiliating and dangerous. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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WHITE DREAM
Directed by Hamid Jebeli, 2001
Actor-director Hamid Jebelli (Son of Maryam), offers a charming portrait of a mentally challenged man looking for love in a world that largely ignores him. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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Directed by Hamid Jebeli, 2001
Actor-director Hamid Jebelli (Son of Maryam), offers a charming portrait of a mentally challenged man looking for love in a world that largely ignores him. In Farsi with English subtitles.
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