Iranian Cinema for the Homeland: Exciting Film Initiative Launches in Tehran

The “Iranian Cinema for the Homeland” initiative has officially launched, celebrating iconic films that shape Iran’s rich cinematic legacy. The inauguration event took place on Saturday, featuring a screening of a restored version of the acclaimed film “Where Is the Friend’s House?” directed by the legendary Abbas Kiarostami. Key figures in Iranian cinema, including cinematographer and screenwriter Mahmoud Kalari and author Abdoljabar Kakai, attended the ceremony, as reported by ISNA.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Cinema Organization of Iran (COI), aims to present five classic Iranian films restored by the Iran National Film Archive. The program is designed to honor and reflect upon the profound cinematic heritage of Iran through a series of screenings and engaging discussions.

Raed Fereidzadeh, the Head of the COI, announced that the program, which began at the Cinema Museum, will extend to cinemas across the nation. The inaugural screening of “Where Is the Friend’s House?” was followed by an insightful panel discussion featuring Mahmoud Kalari and Abdoljabar Kakai, moderated by Hamid Reza Modaqeq.

Produced in 1987, “Where Is the Friend’s House?” tells the poignant story of Ahmad, an eight-year-old boy living in an Iranian village. When Ahmad accidentally takes his friend’s notebook home, he must return it before the next day, or his friend faces expulsion from school. The film’s narrative, though simple, is elevated by Kiarostami’s subtle storytelling techniques, masterful use of landscape, and understated performances, creating a touching and poetic cinematic experience.

Critics have lauded the film, recognizing it as one of Kiarostami’s most cherished works. It stands as a key representation of Iran’s New Wave cinema, a movement that sought to abandon the commercialism of earlier Iranian films in favor of a more artistic and socially conscious approach to filmmaking.

Kiarostami’s “Where Is the Friend’s House?” encapsulates the essence of Iranian village life through an innocent story that is both contemplative and sensitive. The film serves as a masterpiece, showcasing Kiarostami’s profound understanding of human emotions and his ability to capture intricate social moments that often go unnoticed. Its simplicity is its strength, offering viewers a thoughtful and touching perspective on life.

Since its release, “Where Is the Friend’s House?” has garnered several prestigious accolades, including the Bronze Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival, the Critics’ Prize at the Sao Paulo International Film Festival, and the Pasinetti Award at the Venice Film Festival.

The initiative will continue in the coming days with additional screenings of other significant films. The lineup includes:

• The Stone Lion by Masoud Jafari Jozani
• Gilaneh by Rakhshan Bani-E’temad and Mohsen Abdolvahab
• Land of the Sun by Ahmadreza Darvish
• Captain Khorshid by Nasser Taqvai

Each screening will be followed by Q&A sessions, providing audiences with the opportunity to delve deeper into the themes and backgrounds of these films. Starting from Saturday, simultaneous screenings of these works will take place in Tehran and several other cities.

In “The Stone Lion,” the narrative revolves around the mysterious death of an Englishman found murdered with a scythe in the Bakhtiary region. Local craftsman Khoda Morad and his companion Kohyar bury the victim’s body to hide the crime. As the investigation unfolds, Officer A’meri, accompanied by an English diplomat, seeks to uncover the truth, leading to tensions within the village community.

“Gilaneh” is set against the backdrop of New Year’s Eve during the Iran-Iraq War, where relentless missile attacks threaten Tehran. The film follows Gilaneh, a solitary middle-aged villager confronting the harsh realities of war as she sends her son to the frontlines while searching for her son-in-law who has deserted military service.

“Land of the Sun” portrays the chaos in a Khorramshahr hospital during the Iran-Iraq War, where a determined young woman named Jahan Ara leads efforts to evacuate the injured amidst continuous attacks. The narrative highlights the struggles faced by medical staff and civilians as they navigate danger and loss in a war-torn landscape.

“Captain Khorshid” tells the gripping story of a one-handed sailor coerced into smuggling exiled criminals. Initially hesitant, Captain Khorshid agrees to the dangerous task, but the journey turns perilous as the criminals turn against him, culminating in a fierce confrontation.

As the “Iranian Cinema for the Homeland” initiative unfolds, it promises to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural narratives embedded in Iranian cinema, inviting audiences to engage with the artistry and history of these films.

Photo: A scene from Abbas Kiarostami’s “Where Is the Friend’s House?”