My Tehran for Sale

Film goers are in for an interesting experience when the Port Fairy Film

Society continues with its 2012 program showing "My Tehran for Sale" at

the Reardon Theatre this Friday at 7.30pm.

You would have to be on another planet not to at least have heard of

this film. It came to prominence last year when Adelaide based Iranian /

Australian Director Granaz Moussavi was arrested in Iran and sentenced

to 70 lashes.

Luckily public pressure around the world, supported by a massive social

media campaign, forced a change of heart by the Iranian authorities.

 It seems this action, supposedly because official permission for the

film was not obtained, plays true in many of the themes present

throughout the film. Namely state control, repression and rebellion.

 While travellers to Iran speak highly of the country, from a political

side not much seems to have changed in recent years. It is indeed a

brave director who films "on site" and addresses these issues.

 Moussavi is a celebrated poet in her home country and this film contains

much evidence of these poetic influences in the words and visual scenes.

The central character is Marzieh, an actress who is isolated from her

family while working, behind closed doors, on a politically sensitive

performance piece. Through friends she meets Saman, an

Iranian/Australian who's come to Tehran to make money to pay off debts

incurred back home.

All does not end well in the relationship and both characters are forced

to reassess their lives.

 For those of us with a media / US dominated view of contemporary Iran

this is an important insight into life in contemporary Tehran. It

illustrates the frustrations and anguish of young people as they attempt

to find personal and cultural freedom.

Shot guerrilla style entirely in Tehran it gives us a rare insight into

this culturally repressed society through the eyes of the central

characters.

The performances are strong with the city scenes playing an excellent

supporting role. Director Moussavi's poetic background gives texture to

the film, the shots chosen build on an understanding of a city she

obviously loves but has also given her much pain.

A rare treat for filmgoers in the south west. My Tehran for Sale screens

in Port Fairy, 1.00pm and 7.30pm on Friday 17th.

Coming up next month is Submarine. March 16th.

 See you in the front stalls.  Steve 


My Tehran for Sale Trailer