FILM | IRAN
FISH & CAT
I’M NOT ANGRY!
Director Shahram Mokri IRAN | 2013 | 134 mins
Director Reza Dormeshian IRAN | 2014 | 110 mins
Iranian cinema is renowned for its bold formal innovations. Prepare yourself for a 134-minute single take slasher film with no blood. It’s the tale of an encounter between a group of university students who have gathered by a lake for a kite-flying competition and the cooks from a nearby restaurant ostensibly serving human flesh. Inspired by a true story, Fish & Cat has enthralled audiences and critics everywhere.
An intense young Kurdish activist who has been expelled from university is engaged to a former classmate, but after four years he still cannot afford a place for them to live. His doctor suggests he cope by repeating the mantra “I’m not angry.” Set amidst the protests following Iran’s contested presidential elections of 2009, there is no better reflection of the mood of anger and disillusionment of that moment.
Sat 30 Sep 8.30pm
Mon 25 Sep 7pm
PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB
PORTRAIT OF A LADY TOO FAR AWAY
WOMEN'S PRISON
Director Mohsen Abdolvahab IRAN | 2010 | 80 mins
Director Ali Mosaffa IRAN | 2005 | 98 mins
This blackly humorous collection contains three Tehran stories. The host of a religious game show is terrified of the embarrassment if his wife reports that he has beaten her. A clergyman who has just moved from the countryside has his wallet and phone stolen. And an elderly couple lead a claustrophobic existence, afraid to even open the door for the television repairman.
An architect gets a disturbing message from an unknown woman who claims to have dialled him at random, telling him she’s planning suicide. This intricate drama stars Leila Hatami who quickly became one of the major actresses in Iranian cinema. On its international debut Mosaffa’s work was hailed as reminiscent of Tarkovsky for its mysterious, disturbing atmosphere.
Set over three turbulent decades of Iranian history, this debut feature from a veteran female producer follows the relationship between a warden and Mitra, a prisoner sentenced for murder. As Mitra mixes with political prisoners, victims of poverty, and even children who have never known any existence other than prison, the film provides a compelling portrait of women’s experience in Iran.
Thu 28 Sep 7pm
Thu 21 Sep 7pm
Sat 23 Sep 2.30pm
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INDEPENDENTS This strand celebrates the important role played by sales agent Mohammad Attebai in bringing the best of new independent Iranian films to the world. The films range from horror to social issues.
Director Manijeh Hekmat IRAN | 2002 | 106 mins
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