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
