THE acclaimed Iranian Film Festival Australia will once again shine a spotlight on contemporary life in Iran when it returns to theatres across Australia this October and November.
Now in its fourth year, the festival will kick off in Canberra on 3 October before moving to Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne.
This year’s programme, featuring nine feature films and five short films, will provide cinephiles the chance to experience Iranian identity and discover why it remains one of the most talked about cinematic movements across the globe.
Festival co-director Anne Démy-Geroe said this year’s program reflected the sense of enthusiasm in the Iranian film industry since the 2013 election, following years of constraints under the previous Ahmedinejad government.
“One of the first actions by President Rouhani was to attend to the film industry, even apologizing on behalf of the previous government. Permits have been flowing and filmmakers are out there shooting an unprecedented number of films,” she said.
“The 2014 IFFA programme reflects this enthusiasm. Where last year the programme featured masters and veterans, this year the emphasis is on young cinema with many first and second-time directors.
“We’re hoping audiences will be curious about the transformation of Iranian cinema and will once again join us across the country to explore and experience what’s now coming out of Iran.”
The aim of festival directors, Anne Démy‐Geroe and Armin Miladi, is to showcase a diverse range of the best and most interesting films and through cinema, introduce Iranian culture to other Australians, proving better cultural understanding and tolerance.
Armin Miladi, festival co-director, said whilst this year’s programme had no single theme, family and youth were two areas of keen focus.
“We are proud to open with I’m Not Angry, the sensational second feature of Reza Dormishian, whose first feature, Hatred, we screened in 2012. I’m Not Angry, which premiered at this year’s Berlinale, is a tragic love story set against the political and social constraints of the Green Movement.
“We close with Fish and Cat, a single take horror film with no violence! Sandwiched between these are seven other films including the edgy Kami’s Party and 13 – focused on youth– and Painting Pool, Snow and Paternal House – all of which deal with contemporary family issues.”
To find out more about venues, details of films and ticketing, please visit www.iffa.net.au
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What: The Iranian Film Festival Australia
When: October 9 – October 12
Where: The Queensland Multicultural Centre, Kangaroo Point
Cost: Full: $16
Concession: $14
Opening Night: $40 (Film and after party)
