The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) and The Pavilion Downtown Dubai are inviting filmgoers to a special edition of Film Buzz this month, where audiences will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with two of the directors from the triple bill of films in DIFFs Focus on Iran, the second edition of the […]
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) and The Pavilion Downtown Dubai are inviting filmgoers to a special edition of Film Buzz this month, where audiences will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with two of the directors from the triple bill of films in DIFFs Focus on Iran, the second edition of the complimentary three-day monthly film screenings hosted by The Pavilion.
The Focus on Iran programme co-curated and supported by Documentary Voices will hit The Pavilion screens on Monday, September 24th and run through to Wednesday, September 26th. The latest line-up of films will introduce audiences to a new wave of contemporary cinema coming out of Iran. World-renowned German filmmaker Werner Herzog, along with many film critics from around the world have praised Iranian cinema as one of the world’s most important artistic cinemas.
Iranian filmmakers have garnered international fame over the years and enjoy a global following with cultural and dynamic films that illustrate artistic brilliance and storytelling virtuosity, such as the phenomenal Iranian Drama, A Separation, that won a plethora of awards this year, including the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, the Golden Globe and Best Film at the Berlin Film Festival.
The line-up features Felicity Land on Monday, 24th September at 8:00pm and tells the story of a young woman who tries to save her marriage by throwing a birthday party for her husband. Acclaimed director Maziar Miri will be on hand to take questions from the audience and discuss the film. On Tuesday, 25th September at 7:30 pm, The Mourning will be presented by director Morteza Farshbaf when he showcases the compelling predicaments and consequences a couple must face through the innocent eyes of their child in this unique feature. Focus on Iran concludes with the self-imposed seclusion of a young taxi driver in Fardin Saheb Zamanis There are Things You Dont Know.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, artistic director, Dubai International Film Festival, commented: DIFF is committed to bringing the very best of film from around the world to entertain, inspire, challenge and inform audiences in the UAE. Our Focus on Iran programme is an innovative showcase of fascinating films from a country with a long history of rich and diverse storytelling. We are pleased to welcome directors Maziar Miri and Morteza Farshbaf to present their inspirational and innovative films for new audiences to enjoy and exchange opinions during our Q & A sessions.
Film Buzz screenings take place on the last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each month. Entrance to the screenings is free of charge and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The Pavilion can accommodate up to 60 people per screening.
Augusts programme, Entertainment Legends, played to a full house of film enthusiasts and presented audiences with a selection of films about musical icons that have made indelible impressions on the industry.
September programme:
September 24: 25SAADAT-ABAD (FELICITY-LAND)
Iran/2011/35mm/Colour/Farsi/90mins/1:85/Dolby Digital
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Cinema, The Pavilion Downtown Dubai
Please note: This film is rated 15+
September 25: THE MOURNING Iran/2011/85mins/Colour/Drama/Farsi/DCP/HD
Director: Morteza Farshbaf
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Cinema, The Pavilion Downtown Dubai
About the film: The poignant story of a hearing-impaired couple suddenly left with the responsibility of caring for their nephew. While visiting her sister and brother-in-law, the boys mother and father argue in the middle of the night and drive away suddenly. The following day, the boy searches for his parents with his aunt and uncle, who wonder where their guests have gone and why they would leave their son behind?
Please note: This film is rated 15+
September 26: CHIZ-HAIE HAST KEH NEMIDANI (THERE ARE THINGS YOU DONT KNOW) Iran/2010/ZHD/Colour/92mins/Dolby SR
Director and scriptwriter: Fardin Saheb Zamani
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Cinema, The Pavilion Downtown Dubai
About the film: The story of a secluded taxi driver in Tehran which is awaiting an earthquake: he has chosen to distance himself from society and to be passive so as not to be hurt. He views the societys incidents through cuts from the lives of his passengers.
This press release was issued by DIFF.
