Films from Behind the Veil, Iranian Shorts Mini Film Festival
Sunday 24th September 2023
Session 1 : 10.45am, free for BCFFG Members Session 2 : 1pm, tickets $15.00 In this anthology of contemporary Iranian short films, we are taken behind the veil of political and artistic censorship through a series of poetic and moving tales that present a fresh vision of everyday Iranian life, especially for women and other marginalised groups. Each film filled with passion and integrity, is crafted with all the storytelling skill Iranian culture is famous for.
Despite the challenge of governmental interference and censorship, the artistic voice of independent filmmaking in Iran remains strong. These stories deal with oppressive religious practices, the plight and struggles of ordinary people, often in remote regions, refugees, and other marginalised groups; but they also reveal qualities of compassion, love, and common humanity. The limitations imposed upon an artistic voice, especially one that focuses on issues that the western world takes for granted, can be harsh and restrictive. Many people know of respected filmmakers such as Jafar Panahi, who has been jailed and had a twenty year ban placed upon him because of the humanist subject of his films, resorting to them being smuggled out of the country and eventually winning Palm D'Or awards at Cannes. So it is with these short films, made with courage and unflinching commitment to truth and authenticity. This filmic snapshot of life in Iran is not to be missed. Many of the stories encompass the plight of women and children, and the lengths that ordinary people have to go to just get by. Each of these films is characterised by strong production values and the traditional Iranian poetic skill in storytelling. They all provide an insight into contemporary Iranian culture and society. Screening fifteen short films over two sessions, the Bass Coast Shire and the Bass Coast Fine Film Group are very proud to be opening the doorway into life in modern Iran. |