Iranian Film Festival

The Iranian Film Festival returns this year for its 11^th presentation with a program of 13 films, 11 of which are Australian premieres. There are also 6 award-winning shorts and both the 2023 UK and the 2024 Iranian official entries for the Academy Awards.

The Locust is the opening night movie which is followed by a reception. The film surrounds a female writer who is struggling with financial constraints in her pursuit of filmmaking.

“The locust stands as an exemplary creation by a prominent Iranian female director and producer,” enthused Festival Director Armin Miladi.

“Navigating the challenging landscape of international and local film financing, the film showcases remarkable artistry on a micro-budget, boasting a stellar cast and a compelling narrative primarily set in a single location.”

When asked whether women have the same opportunities as men in the Iranian film industry Miladi was quick to respond.

“While the numerical dominance of male directors is undeniable, the ratio of active female filmmakers in Iran surpasses that of the United States. Noteworthy is the presence of respected figures serving as producers and directors, hence, the Iranian film industry presents substantial opportunities for women seeking to make their mark in the cinematic realm.”

Unlike most countries, the government has much control over the film industry in Iran and, as a result, the underground cinema movement has emerged.  Filmmakers opt to proceed with production without official permissions, a practice that has notably surged in recent years.

“Some navigate this by obtaining approval for one script and then crafting an entirely different film. However, this approach is not without repercussions, constituting an illegal undertaking,” explained Miladi. “Filmmakers who have showcased their work at international festivals without obtaining permissions find themselves at risk, facing travel bans or even in some cases imprisonment.”

Miladi said that the primary objective of the Iranian Film Festival in Australia is to offer a captivating glimpse into Iranian cinema and culture for the non-Iranian audience.

“The festival curates films based on their aesthetic excellence and international success, aiming to transcend cultural boundaries and cater to both Iranian and non-Iranian viewers. This cinematic celebration serves as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of life in Iran among non-Iranian attendees.”

With a rich variety of films, there’s bound to be something at this film festival for everyone to enjoy on the big screen.

ARMIN’S HOT PICKS

KIAROSTAMI AT WORK –  A documentary delving into the filmmaking of Abbas Kiarostami, active from 1970, whose boundless passion for work and creativity is evident in each of his movies.

SEE YOU FRIDAY, ROBINSON – A poignant exploration of the exchange of letters between Ebrahim Golestan and Jean-Luc Godard.

WINNERS – the closing night film is a recipient of accolades at Adelaide Film Festival and Carlo Vivary Film Festival, which promises a visually stunning experience.

November 16 – 22

Dendy Cinema, 261 – 263 King St Newtown

iffa.net.au