Persian Film Festival 2019
The 8th Persian Film Festival comes to Sydney and its popularity is on the increase, evident from the addition of two venues which will reach a wider audience. “Our program has grown three times and due to its success Palace Cinemas have become our venue partner, having their backing has allowed us to expand ” enthused festival director, Amin Palangi.
The program this year consists of 15 feature films, six documentary films and 13 shorts from Iran and Afghanistan and the opening night promises to be a memorable gala event. Award-winning Iranian actress Mahnaz Afshar who stars in the opening night war drama Suddenly A Tree will be in attendance. “On arrival, guests will receive drinks and Persian ice cream and following the film there will be Persian food and drinks at the afterparty.”
The festival this year is dedicated to women, for their resilience and creative expression. “This is reflected by the selection of films both in features and shorts of which 50% are by female directors and many of the protagonists in the stories are also females. This year there are three guests and coincidentally they’re all women.”
Amin emphasised that Australians should attend this film festival. “It’s an opportunity to be immersed in an area of the world that we don’t hear much about and to have a space for meeting people, dialogue engagement, enjoying our food, drinks and other festivities.” (MMo)
Dec 4-8. Palace Cinemas. $21-$105+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.persianfilmfestival.com
CITY HUB HOT PICKS
The Swallows Of Kabul – Adapted from the literary classic by the same name, this spellbinding and highly rated animation film screened at Cannes.
Leakage – Story of a woman who starts leaking oil which has a strong sense of national allegory and an interesting take on what is happening in Iran through this character.
The Orphanage – The Russians are taking over Kabul and the film follows a group of orphans and explores their dreams and desires as this change is happening.
