No. 14 The House Of Cinema Newsletter Iranian Alliance of Motion Picture Guilds September 2010

Special Issue Reports on the 14th Iranian Inside Feast of Cinema

14th Iranian Feast of Cinema I am a member of the House of Cinema I am Member of the REPORT House of Cinema

The 14th Festival of the Iranian and present the prize for best make-up. are not asking for economic help. Cinema was held at the auditorium Taraneh Alidousti stepped on the Laleh Eskandari said that she was We only want the government to re- of Milad Tower with the participa- stage to present the prize for best a make-up artist before she became move the obstacles created by regu- tion of prominent filmmakers and sound mix. Delpak talked about an actress, and Abdollah Eskandari lations dating to about 20 years ago film fans. Filmmakers speaking at Asghar Shahverdi the famous said he was glad he was presenting and are not suitable for the present the ceremony thanked the board of sound recorder who is now sick in the prize to one of his successful day conditions. Our film industry directors of the House of Cinema bed and paid tribute to the late film colleagues. is plagued by unhealthy economy and the festival secretary Farhad producer Freydoun Khoushaba- The prize was awarded to Soud- while we boast of our great civiliza- Towhidi for organizing the festi- fard. “Friendship among film mak- abeh Khoravi for the film “Day and tion. The outcome of such an eco- val and empha- nomic situation is sized the need that people engage for strengthening in immoral activi- the House of Cin- ties to earn their ema and the film living. I and my guilds. colleagues believe Masters of the that the only rem- ceremony were edy for the situ- Farhad Ayish and ation is to desist his wife Maedeh from supporting Tahmasbi, who lies. You will then were joined by see how easily the Mehran Rajabi veils of lies and and talked about fraud will be torn the filmmakers’ aside….. problems, includ- “Unfortunately ing lack of job se- this is all that has curity and the il- remained of the legal sale of CDs. letter which I plan to turn over to the At the start of the Museum of Cin- ceremony Housh- ema.” ang Golmakani, Then the Rastak editor-in-chief of musical ensemble the Film maga- performed pieces zine, accompa- of folk music from nied by Hamed different provinces Behdad stepped on the stage to ers is stronger in the festival than Night”. The winner was not present of the country. present the prize for best first film. rivalry,” he said. “I am confident at the ceremony and the film pro- Golmakani asked the directors of this attitude will last.” ducer Jamal Sadatian received the In continuation of the ceremony, the House of Cinema to fight the Alidousti asked the actors society prize. Parvin Safari and Jamshid Gorgin banal films nowadays appearing on and the board of managers of the stepped on the stage to present the public screens. He said: “The House of Cinema to invite to such Then Farhad Towhidi the festival the prize for best costume design. real Iranian cinema is quite differ- feasts even actors who are not secretary presented his report. Gorgin said that the national day of ent from what goes on the screens nominated for any prizes. The prize “Good evening ladies and gentle- cinema was an important occasion now. I would like to take this op- for best sound mix was awarded to men! and asked the participants to sup- portunity and ask people in the film Mohsen Roshan for the film “The “I am a writer. I write both film port Towhidi, Mir Baqeri and the industry to find ways of solving the Child and the Angel”. Roshan could scripts, stories and at times articles other festival organizers in their ef- problem. About 200 feature films attend the ceremony because of ill and travelogues. I am a very scru- fort to arrange the Festival of Cin- from the past few years have not disposition and his assistant re- pulous writer and I may be consid- ema. yet found the chance of going on ceived the prize. ered a perfectionist. But the other The prize for best costume design the screens. And to that should be side of the coin is that I am fright- was handed to Abdolhamid Qadi- added short and documentary films Nezamoddin Kiai and Naser Mam- ened. I am frightened of limiting rian for the film “Solomon’s King- that are integral parts of the cine- douh stepped on the stage to present my powers by the presentation of dom”. Qadirian thanked the jury ma. It is my urgent request that the the prize for best sound recording. facts. And that is how I feel now. I and said: “This prize means a lot to prestige of the Iranian be saved for The prize for best sound recording had to give you facts and statistics me. I feel like a student who is at it is a very serious threat.” was awarded to Mahmoud Sam- which are the best means of hiding the start of his career and I hope to Hamed Behdad said: “I am glad we makbashi for the film “When We the truth. So I won’t give you any progress to a stage which is deserv- are here to celebrate the achieve- Are All Asleep”. The ceremony con- facts or statistics. ing of the Iranian cinema.” ment of the cinema. I am confident tinued with the screening of a video “Maybe some of my friends expected Amir Esbati and Alireza Kham- filmmakers will find the correct clip on filmmakers who had passed me to present again this year a sa- she came forward and presented path although they face numerous away during the previous year. tirical piece. In fact I had prepared the prize for best artistic design to obstacles.” Then Babak Hamidian presented a satire, but then I changed my Abdolhamid Qadirian for the film The diploma of honor for best first the prize for best special effects to mind. Instead I will read you a let- “Solomon’s Kingdom”. Qadirian film was awarded to “Season of Mohsen Rouzbehani for the film ter. There is a very interesting story expressed regret for the insult to Monsoon Rains” director by Majid “The Fateful Night”. Rouzbehani related to the letter. Older people the Holy Quran and asked the ar- Barzagar. The film director was on thanked the organizers of the feast probably recall that the House of tistic community to reply the insult trip abroad and could not attend, for arranging such a ceremony and Cinema is stationed in a building in an artistic framework. and the prize was handed to the providing an opportunity for film- which formerly was used as a film film actor Navid Layeq who, on be- makers to get together for one night studio. It includes a screening hall Mohammad Sarir and Seddiq Tarif half of the director, thanked the jury during the year. and last year we decided to renovate stepped on the stage. As a repre- and all the people had collaborated The prize for best visual effects the hall. On a late afternoon when sentative of the composers society, on the film, including Manouchehr was awarded to Leo Lu for the film the repair workers had left I went to Sarir asked the film community to Shahsavari the producer. “Solomon’s Kingdom” and Masoud check the work progress. On a wall pay more attention to the financial Behnam and Jahangir Kowsari pre- I discovered a hole and behind that aspects of the composers’ work so The video clip introducing mem- sented the prize to a member of the I found a cardboard box and inside that talented artists can present bers of the jury of the film stills was film’s crew. the box I found a letter on the let- better works. He considered music screened and then Aziz Saati and Then a video clip on the cinema of terhead of an old film company. The as the blood in the body of the film. Morteza Razzaq Karimi stepped on the sacred defense was screened. letter dated to the year 1977 and it Mohammad Reza Aliqoli received the stage and presented the prize for was addressed to the then minister the prize for best musical score for best film still to Mehdi Delkhasteh Laleh Eskandari and Abdollah Es- of art and culture. The letter read: the film “Afternoon of the Tenth for the film “A True Report”. kandari stepped on the stage to “Your excellency the Minister! We Day”. Soroush Sehhat and Mohammd films, as well as the organizing com- the House of Cinema is of particu- Elly” and said: “I wish to thank all Reza Moyini presented the prize mittee and secretary of the festival. lar significance because the jurors the people who worked with me for best editing to Hideh Safiyari Razavian compared the various film do not represent any government on the film. I wish Golshifteh was for the film “”. Moyini guilds to the different ethnic groups official. We respect their decision here. I hope things will change and criticized the lack of attention to that live in the country, said: “The even if it does not accord with our she can return home soon. I hope the film workers’ job security and Iranian races unite when they face views.” Bahram Beizai and the other Ira- asked “Who are the people who act an enemy, and this goes also for the Baran Kowsari called Javaherian nian filmmakers can return home as her best performing part- and work here. I hope things will ner while Javaherian said that improve.” she was proud of the prize and The ceremony continued with the dedicated it to her parents. screening of a documentary film on Hossein Torabi and Rasoul job security in which many filmmak- Sadr Ameli presented the prize ers, including Mohammad Mehdi for best script to Jalil Saman. Asgarpour, Farhad Towhidi, Rakh- Torabi made a short speech shan Bani-Etemad, Homayoun As- in which he said: “Towhidi adian, Amin Tarokh, Sirus Alvand had warned me not to make and a number of representatives extraordinary remarks. So I from film guilds talked about lack all I have to say is that we are of job security in the cinema and screenwriters and the only the need for the implementation of thing we can take pride in is the law ratified in this connection. our writing.” Finally Asgarpour asked Farhad The 14th Festival will be a turn- Towhidi to present the prize for ing point in the memory of the best film. Asgarpour said: “Towhi- Iranian filmmakers. di did a lot for the organization of Rasoul Sadr Ameli thanked the this feast parts of which is related festival organizers and said: to the prevailing conditions which “The 14th Festival will be a prevailed in the past few years. We as the sworn enemies of job secu- film guilds who unite to counter the turning point in the memory of the could not have the seminar on job rity for filmmakers?” efforts of those who would like to Iranian filmmakers. The festival security and this reveals the con- Safiyar said: “I am proud of this suffocate the film industry.” has brought out the significance of ceptions that had been formed on prize and I am glad I worked with Saber Abr, who was awarded the solidarity among us, and I am sure the proposed event. We are neither people who created About Elly. I prize for best supporting actor for we will not be in need of any kind followers of VOA and BBC and nor respect the extraordinary work of the film “About Elly”, thanked As- of large-scale support as long as are we in any way connected to CIA. the people who created a chance ghar Farhadi for having given for my work to attract attention, him the chance to perform in and I thank women editors, such the film. as Talat Mirfendereski, Zhila Ipak- The House of Cinema is the chi, Shirin Vahid and Masoumeh result of much hard work and Shah-Nazari, who opened the way will not be given away so eas- for women enter the editing profes- ily. sion, and I welcome all newcomers Fereshteh Taerpour and Negar to the field.” Javaherian came forward to Reza Mirkarimi and Mohammad present the prize for best sup- Reza Sokout were invited to pres- porting actress ent the prize for best cinematogra- for her performance in the film phy. Mirkarimi thanked Towhidi “About Elly”. Zarei could not and Asgarpour,the board of direc- attend the ceremony because tors and the other people in the of her involvement in a stage House of Cinema for having kept performance, and her sister the light of the festival burning in Melika received the prize and the face of the economic sanctions, read a message from her sister and said: “I am glad to present the who thanked people for their prize to the person with whom I support of cinema, and as the started filmmaking 24 years ago. envoy for Mehrafarin charity He is usually so immersed in his institute requested the people to we can preserve our solidarity, and Mr. Towhidi has had to shoulder all work that he doesn’t find enough help the poor. that the House of Cinema needs the burden of the work because I time for friends.” Taerpour emphasized the signifi- nothing other than unity among was engaged in the making of a TV The prize for best cinematography cance of the House of Cinema and filmmakers.” series. Government officials did us was presented to Hamid Khozouie said: “The House of Cinema is the Jalil Saman dedicated his prize to a great service through economic r e s u l t his wife. sanctions because we were able to of much In continuation, Rakhshan Bani- learn to work without any support. h a r d Etemad, Sirus Alvand and Azizol- Also, the sense of unity among the work and lah Hamid-Nezhad stepped on the film guilds solidified through the will not stage to present the prize for best experience. Almost all trade guilds be given director. provided good support without a w a y Bani-Etemad said: “I am a mem- which we would have had bad re- so eas- ber of the House of Cinema, which sults.” ily. The I consider as my own house. I am The ceremony closed with the pre- common grateful for the board of directors sentation of the prize for best film purpose for having organized such a happy to and Mahmoud t h a t gathering of the members in this Razavi for the film “About Elly”. b i n d s gloomy days. A admire their efforts In the end the Tehran choral en- us will for standing up to the obstacles on semble performed a song without get us their path and for their unwavering instrumental accompaniment. through stance on the issue of job security Among the people attending the Abyaneh. any hardships and obstacles.” for filmmakers.” ceremony were Ahmad Masjed- Atila Pasiani, Gholamreza Mousavi, Jamal Sadatian and Asghar Farha- Then Sirus Alvand said: “The late Jamei member of Tehran munici- and Amir Shahb Razavian stepped di presented the prize for best ac- Ali Hatami used to say whenever pality council, Mehdi Masoud-Sha- on the stage. Mousavi, referring to tor to Shahab Hossein for the film you see a film which makes you hi secretary of Fajr film Festival, Dr. Golmakani’s remarks, said: “We “Roaming in the Mist.” want to create a film, it means the Mehid Hojjat, Goli Emami, Bahram face a shortage of 2000 screening Homayoun Asadian and Baran film was very good. That is the im- Azimi, Masoud Dehnamaki, Mo- halls and unless that is overcome Kowsari presented the prize for pression I had after I saw this film, hammad Reza Sharifinia. nobody, including the House of best actress to Negar javaherian for and I wanted to be part of the prize Cinema can perform any miracles.” her performance in the film “Gold presentation group.” The ceremony was directed by He also thanked the jury who had and Copper”. Homayoun Asadian Asghar Farhadi received the prize Bizhan Mirbaqeri and the set had spent three months viewing the said: “The evaluation of the jury of for best director for the film “About been designed by Majid Leylaji. PHOTOS Mohammad Sarir at the ceremony of the Festival of the Iranian Cinema: A number of filmmakers have staked their lives REPORT for progress of the Iranian cinema

The ceremony of the festival of the said: “It is said that the hero captain dent job on the film “Days of Expec- writers including Mohammad Reza Iranian cinema was held on Sunday is the one who conducts the ship in tation” directed by Asghar Hashemi Shajarian, Farhad Fakhreddini, at Aivan Shams Hall with the pres- stormy weather, and Mohammad on a script by Torabi, I spent two Nezamoddin Kiai, Omid Rohani, ence of many filmmakers and peo- Reza Firouzfar, who has created months with Torabi in rural areas Naser Cheshmazar talked about ple interested in cinema. Sarir and paid tribute to him not The ceremony began with the reci- only as a composer but also an able tation of the Holy Quran and the and successful manager. Farhad national anthem. Then Farhad Fakhreddini stepped on the stage Towhidi, secretary of the festival to present a Diploma of Honor to delivered a speech in which he said: Sarir and read a text in his honor. “In this special time of rare happy Fakhreddini thanked the House of occasions, it is almost a national Cinema for arranging the ceremony duty for any one to create happi- and said: “At a time when arts and ness. I really believe that all con- artists are not accorded the atten- structive activities are motivated by tion they deserve, the House of Cin- happiness, and it seems to me that ema’s initiative is very gratifying. our nation values happiness more I am glad to participate in a cer- than sorrows and lamentations. emony arranged for paying tribute Profound happiness emerges when to artists. One of these artists is my devoted souls engage in construc- old friend Dr. Sarir who is loved by tive work in solitude and without people working in the artistic field. any expectation of rewards. And to- We all love him because apart from night we are here to pay tribute to composing music he spends a lot of such devoted souls.” time working in the House of Cin- Towhidi expressed satisfaction that ema and House of Music.” a number of people from the social wonderful cinematographic equip- outside Kashan City, and his image Pakdel asked Sirus Alvand and and economic spheres were taking ment under condition of scarcity of in my mind is mixed with extraordi- Nezamoddin Kiai to join Fakhred- part in the ceremony for an artistic spare parts, is the hero captain who nary features.” dini on the stage. Alvand expressed activity and said: “The introduction conducts the ship of the Iranian cin- Kalari emphasized the indepen- his pleasure in being asked to help of Seifollah Daad Prize in memory of ema toward the shore in the present dence of Torabi’s artistic personal- in the task of paying tribute to Sarir, the late filmmaker has created links stormy weather. The soul of each ity and said: “Apart from his activi- and said: “In fact it is a tribute for between cinema and other sectors image derives from people whose ties in dramatic literature Torabi me to actively participate in the cer- especially industry and economy name the spectator finds out. But is also a story writer and poet. He emony and join Mr. Fakhreddini in and such links can lead cinema to- for the fluid movement of camera is an independent artist who has paying tribute to a musician.” wards higher levels. With the pre- on cranes and during traveling we never been swayed by the shifting Kiai also lauded Sarir as a noble art- sentation of this award tonight we are indebted to artist technicians influences. I learned many things ist. whose art from him and he has provided me After receiving the prize, Sarir said can turn with a pattern for imitation.” that he was overwhelmed by so the cam- Hossein Pakdel, the manager of the much kindness. “It will be very hard era into an ceremony, invited Farhad Towhidi for me to reciprocate so much love all seeing and Ahmad Masjed-Jamei, mem- and kindness. In recent years I have eye that ber of Tehran city council to join learned much more than I could do are used Kalari in presenting the statuette to for cinema and the other arts. Cin- by cinema- Toarabi. ema is a noble art and a number of tographers After receiving his prize Torabi filmmakers have staked their lives and direc- said: “I wish to thank the board of for progress of the Iranian cinema. tors.” directors of the House of Cinema And that is why the Iranian cinema Amir Badi, and Mr. Farhad Towhidi for having has gained such a prestigious sta- director of organized such a ceremony. Rela- tus.” Badi Stu- tions between the House of cinema Sarir presented his prize to his wife dio and and the ministry of culture and Is- and thanked her for her thoughtful Kamran lamic guidance are not very friendly support of his work. At the end of Maleki, and our plans to have a session on the ceremony Sarir performed on secretary will be honoring such links which of the board of directors of the I hope will grew deeper so that we House of Cinema joined Zarrindast won’t have to spend indefinite times on the stage to present the Seifollah searching for investors.” Daad Prize statuette to Firouzfar Then a flyer introducing the public- who thanked the filmmaking com- ity materials section of the festival munity and said that he hoped to and the related jurors was screened continue his services to filmmak- and Ebrahim Haqiqi stepped on ers. the stage to present the Diploma of In continuation the Faseleh musi- Honor of the prize for best poster to cal ensemble performed music with Mehdi Roshanai for the poster on the poem “Arash the Archer” by Si- the film “The Sounds”. avash Kasrai, and a video clip relat- Bahram Dehqani presented the ed to the tribute for Hossein Torabi Diploma of Honor of the prize for the screenwriter and documentary best trailer to Meysam Mowlai for filmmaker was screened. the trailers of the film “The Invita- Mahmoud Kalari stepped on the tion” and the Diploma of Honor of stage to present the honorary statu- the prize for best credits to Reza ette to Torabi and said: “Mr. Torabi’s Shirvani for the credits sequence of close friends should have been here the film “Roaming in the Mist.” to take my place, but unfortunately job security for artists were turned the piano a piece of music he had The ceremony continued with the some of them like Bahram Reypour down. So I suppose we have to composed for the late Mohammad screening of the video clip related to and Ruhollah Emami are no longer think of alternative ways of provid- Noori and was accompanied by the the tribute program for Mohammad among us. I rarely attend a function ing budget for the purpose.” vocalist Mohammad Sadeqi. Then Reza Firouzfar, the creators of cin- when I am engaged in a film proj- Then a video clip prepared as trib- Negin Sarir performed Mohammad ematographic technical equipment. ect, but tonight will undoubtedly be ute to the pioneer composer Mo- Noori’s memorable song “O ”, Alireza Zarrindast stepped on the a very memorable occasion for me. hammad Sarir was screened in accompanied by Mohammad stage to pay tribute to Firouzfar and When I started my first indepen- which prominent composers and Sadeqi. : Taqvai’s admirers are waiting to see a new film by REPORT the veteran director

The first of the series of feasts from namic and experimental approach constant effort in making short films nowadays which are full of silly jokes the 14th Festival of the Iranian Cin- and he was honor as the source of and deplored the fact that Kiarosta- and boy and girl relations. The origi- ema in the short and experimental pride for the Iranian cinema. mi’s latest feature films can not be nal Iranian cinema was founded by films was held in Aivan Shams Hall Then the medal of the short film so- screened in Iran. people like Taqvai, Beizai, Golestan, with the participation of short film- ciety was presented by Abbas Gan- Taqvai asked Asgarpour to create Kiarostami, and the late Sohrab makers and prominent Iranian film Shahid-Saless, and that is the kind personalities. of cinema which should thrive in the The ceremony began with the country. There are those who wish screening of the videoclip Valasr and to see the House of Cinema and the the national anthem as well as clips film trade guilds closed down. But related to members of the House of cinema is a living and dynamic art Cinema. and I am glad to see that the short Then Farhad Towhidi, secretary of film society continues its works and the festival of the Iranian cinema keeps the cinema alive.” presented a report on the evaluation Saeed Tarazi another member of process of the short films. the founding group of the short film “648 films were viewed by the 13 society also said: “As Mr. Taqvai member of the selection committee mentioned we can only count on and 75 jurors of the Academy for 6 ourselves, and the only way of over- hours every day over a 40-day pe- coming the obstacles to strengthen riod,” Farhadi said. the trade guilds, and I think this “These are eye-catching statistics. is what Mr. Asgarpour has under- But personally I would like to think stood.” of the fates of those 648 filmmakers, Al-Ahmad expressed concern about how they worked until they became the current situation in the Ira- filmmakers, and what problems nian cinema and Said: “A number they had to face. I also think of the of ruthless profiteers have virtually 40 days during which 75 people ar- javi and Abbas Kiarostami for Naser opportunities for the public screen- decapitated the Iranian cinema and gued within the confines of a hall. Taqvai. ing of short films and provide op- now there are only a few stars like Life resembles cinema, as cinema “It is a great honor for me to pay trib- portunities for veteran filmmaker Kiarostami who shed solitary light. resembles life. Life provides the ute to my good friend Naser Taqvai,” Parviz Kimiavi to make films. If the officials and people fail to ac- foundation of cinema which is really Kiarostami said as he presented the Kiarostami in turn asked Taqvai to cord due value to their culture they brief in spite of its apparent length.” medal to Taqvai. “I was not aware I plan for the making of feature films, will have to bear the consequences.” Then Towhidi congratulated every- was coming to a ceremony for short and said: “Taqvai has been an in- Moona Zandi drew upon her mem- one on the feast of Fitr and the na- film society. But now that I know it, fluential filmmaker in Iran espe- ories of the queues of people who tional day of cinema. I feel very close to you for I still con- cially in documentary area in recent wanted to see Kiarostami’s Home- Then Shahram Mokri and Amir Ali sider myself a short film maker. In years, and has generously provided work and said: “We should not lose Alai, representatives of the short fact I was editing a short film, and if his knowledge to newcomers. We hope, and we have to continue to film society came on the scene and I had known about the ceremony I are all aware of the problems of film work. Cinema is alive and nobody thanked the jury and the selection would have brought it to show it to making in the country; nevertheless can kill cinema.” committee for their effort and pre- you.” I hope we can view more films by Mehrdad Oskoui also talked about sented 60 roses to them. For his part Taqvai congratulated Taqvai in the future.” the days when the short film soci- The ceremony continued with the Kiarostami for the prize he had won The ceremony continued with the ety was being formed and said: “We screening of a videoclip titled “A for his latest film. He said that he musical performance by Babak Mir- gathered in Amir Shahab Razavian’s Minute of Silence” in memory of was glad that the European compa- za Khani. small room to work for people who the short filmmakers Behnam Sa- nies invest on his films and said it Then with the presence of Atefeh would want to make films and for fari, Mehdi Abasalat and Omidollah was a great opportunity for the Ira- Khademorreza, Kaveh Qahreman, other who would take pride in their Daad who had passed away during nian cinema. Concerning the short Nima Abbaspour and Maryam Fakh- films. I am glad to hear that Mr. the past year. films he had viewed as a jury mem- imi, tribute was paid to the found- Taqvai has seen ten extraordinary After the screening of the flyer re- ber during the latest edition of the ers of the short film society, includ- films and that we are all working to- lated to the nominees in the vari- short film festival, he said: “I have ing Amir Shahab Razavian, Bizhan gether. “ ous categories, Shad Mehr Rastin seen about 20 extraordinary films Mirbaqeri, Saeed Tarazi, Mahvash Then a videoclip by Aida Panahan- stepped on the scene and presented and 10 highly original works. In the Sheikholeslami, Mostafa Al-Ahmad, deh was screened to introduce the the Diploma of Honor of the best past edition there were sign of care- Mehdi Jafari, Moona Zandi, Mehdi books that had been published with script to Karim Lakzadeh for the this edition of the festival of short film “Sorrows and Instincts”. films. Then Mohammad Reza Delpak In continuation Oskoui, who had stepped on the scene and present- stepped on the stage to present the ed the Diploma of Honor for best prize for best editing, announced sound to Mehrshad Malakuti for the the arrangement of an editing work- film “Radiology of a Portrait”. Upon shop to be run by Babak Karimi, one receiving his prize Malakuti thanked of the international editors of the all the masters from whom he had Iranian cinema. learned filmmaking. The prize for best editing was pre- Saeed Pouresmail stepped on the sented to Meysam Samadi Bahrami stage to present the Diploma of for the film “Radiology of a Portrait. Honor for best cinematography. He Samadi Bahrami thanked Amir Tou- thanked Mohammad Mehdi Asg- deh Rousta the film director. arpour, managing director of the Seifollah Samadian, who stepped House of Cinema, for his support of on the stage to present the prize for the members of the House of Cine- best experimental direction, recom- ma, and then presented the diploma mended the filmmakers not to be to Mohammad Rasouli for the film concerned about prizes. He said: “The Snail”. Rasouli thanked the “Kiarostami used to say that the best jury and Ali Mohammad Qasemi for prize is the one you get from yourself the things that he had taught him. lessness in the handling of the digital Karampour, Majid Barzagar, and during the making of the film.” In the continuation of the ceremony cameras, but the quality of the films Mehrdad Oskoui. The prize for best experimental di- the message of congratulations from this year are much higher. I advise Amir Shahab Razavian said: “I am rection went to Kazem Mowlai for the short film society for Abbas Ki- young film makers to get acquainted glad to see that the heart of the Ira- the film “Minus”. Mowlai thanked arostami for the creation of the film with literature and consider short nian cinema throbs through the all the people who had worked with “The Certified Copy” was read. Kiar- films a kind of poem.” short and documentary films. Irani- him on the film. ostami was appreciated for his dy- He paid tribute to Kiarostami for his an cinema is the sort of films created REPORT Tribute to Documentary Films

The 4th independent festival of doc- stepped on the stage to present the filmmakers. We should be grateful stepped on the stage. Moqaddasian umentary films from the collection prize for the best sound recording. for the efforts of the documentary said: “I love Oskoui’s films. He was of 14th Festival of Iranian Cinema at He said: “For 25 years we have been filmmakers for there is a nobility in very young when I was making `The Aivan Shams Hall was attended by accustomed to receiving prizes and documentary films which is absent Poet of Dandelions’. He asked to be masters and documentary filmmak- now we have to learn to present from the other types of film.” engaged as the still photographers, ers. prizes to other people.” The diploma of honor for best ed- but he worked with such energy that Following the performance of the The diploma of honor for best iting went to Amir Adibparvar and he gradually assumed the role of national anthem and recitation of sound recording was presented to Fereshteh Joghtai for the film “How the assistant director and finally be- the Holy Quran, Kamran Maleki, came a director himself. He created secretary of the board of directors a major part of the film and I think and media advisor at the House of he worked better than I did.” Cinema who was the master of cer- Razzaq Karimi, referring to the emony of the gathering, said: “At the fourth edition of the festival of doc- onset of 14th Festival of Iranian Cin- umentary films, said: “The number ema we faced numerous financial four represents perfection, and I and logistic problems. But we knew think we are witnessing the blos- that the wind blows not to shake the soming of documentary cinema. branches but to test the roots. We Mehrdad Oskoui is one of the mas- fought for the independence of the ters of the documentary cinema.” House of Cinema and, supported Oskoui was presented medal of the by over 4000 members, we stuck to society of documentary filmmakers our principles although we were in and medal of the society of docu- great need.” mentary film producers. Then Farhad Towhidi, secretary Upon receiving the medals, Oskoui of the 14th Festival of Iranian Cin- said: “The general trend this year ema, talked of his recollection of has been to award young people the screening of the documentary who are at the stage of learning from film “Lady of the Roses” directed by past masters. We owe a great deal to Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, at U.C.L.A. masters who are at once exceptional university in the absence of the film Nezamoddin Kiaee and Hossein Green Was My Valley”. human beings, managers and policy director. “Last year we had a trip to Abolsedq for the film “Park Mark”. Shahaboddin Adel came forward to makers. Tonight has been the best the U. S. along with the board of di- Kiaee thanked the younger genera- present the prize for best photogra- time of my life. We should honor rectors of the House of Cinema at tion of the selection committee for phy. He expressed happiness for be- masters such as Morteza Pour- the invitation of the director of the having selected him and said: “The ing selected to present the prize and samadi, Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and future cinema belongs to the docu- said: “On documentary projects cin- Parviz Kalantari, Ebrahim Mokhtari Sciences. Mirtahmasb’s documenta- mentary filmmakers. At the second ematographers can capture images and others.” Oskoui asked Poursa- ry, which I advise every one to see, Fajr International film Festival Mr. of areas that may remain hidden madi to step on the stage and pres- was screened. You will fall in love Beheshti authorized me to create a from the view of the filmmakers who ent his prize to his wife Mandana with the Iranian people’s philoso- documentary on the managers who are otherwise engaged on the set.” Karimi who he said is the hero of his phy when you see this film and you will be in charge of administering The diploma of honor for this cat- life. will feel proud of being an Iranian. the cinema. The first person I con- egory went to Touraj Aslani for the Then Tehran choral group per- The Iranian people present in the tacted was the head of the Islamic film “How Green Was My Valley”. formed a piece conducted by Milad screening hall wept and the Ameri- Assembly committee for culture and Aslani appreciated the efforts of Omranloo without instrumental ac- can viewers were deeply touched. It guidance and when I asked his opin- Farhad Towhidi and the board of di- companiment. seems that in the absence of serious ion on the cinema he replied that he rectors of the House of Cinema and Then Seyed Moahammad Beheshti social problems in fiction cinema, was proud that he had never gone to said: “I am glad the jury for the doc- stepped on the stage to present the which has been forced on the cine- the movies and would never do so. umentary section this year were not prize for best research for a docu- ma, the documentary cinema has to He thanked the people at the House wearing dark glasses and had clear mentary film. He referred to the shoulder the burden.” documentary cinema as the noblest Towhidi expressed the hope that fa- part of cinema and said: “Research vorable circumstances will allow for is obviously an important part in the public screening of the brilliant documentary films and often we feel documentaries that were presented that not enough research has been in the festival this year. conducted. Making films without A video clip on the documentaries adequate knowledge of the subject presented in the festival this year is equal to spreading ignorance.” was screened and then Hamid So- The statuette of best research was heili executive secretary of the docu- presented to Amir Hossein Sanai mentary festival presented statistics and Masoud Amiri Tehrani for the on the documentaries in the festival. film “Clay of Memory”. Tirani said He said: “580 films with a total run- that he was proud to receive the ning time of 17,000 minutes were prize from Mr. Beheshti and Sa- submitted. At a preliminary stage nai said that the prize belonged to films made by members of the se- all people who make documentary lection committee and jury plus films regardless of whether or not films with technical problems were they have been nominated. reserved for the next edition of the Hossein Torabi stepped on the festival. In view of the great number stage and presented the statuette of films that are made in the coun- for best direction of a documentary try each year, he asked the festival of Cinema who are fighting for the visions of the films. Unfortunately in film to Mohammad Sadeq Jafari for organizers to arrange for the selec- survival of the cinema.” the feature film sections the jury did the film “Beseeching Good”. Jafari tion committee to view the films all In continuation of the ceremony a not have clear visions of the films thanked the jury and dedicated his through the year. He expressed re- statement from the House of Cin- and some films including `Adieu prize to his wife and his parents. He gret that not enough films are cre- ema condemning the insult to the Baghdad’ were overlooked.” said that he owed his entry into the ated on the Iranian culture and civi- Holy Quran was read. Then a short film on the tribute to documentary cinema to Rakhshan lization and asked the authorities to Abbas Ganjavi stepped on the stage Mehrdad Oskoui was screened and Bani-Etemad. create favorable circumstances for to present the prize for the best edit- Mohammad Reza Moqaddasian Jafar Sanei Moqaddam came for- the production of this type of docu- ing of a documentary film, and said: deputy director of the society of ward to present the prize for best mentary films.” “I started my work with documen- documentary filmmakers, Morteza producer in the documentary cin- Then a short film on the mem- tary films and when I was invited to Razzaq Karimi, documentary film- ema. He called for the creation of bers of the selection committee this ceremony I realized that I still maker and Mohammad Reza Sok- favorable conditions for the public was screened and Hassan Zahedi belong to the group of documentary out, director of cinematography screening of documentary films. from page 6 Short Films’ Celebration Amir Shahab Razavi- had endured difficult an, who stepped on the conditions during the stage to present the prize shooting. for best direction, asked The ceremony ended Omid Rohani to present with the screening of the prize to the winner, a videoclip titled “O Azad Mohammadi for Iran” by Saman Mo- the film “The Snail”. qaddam and the film Mohammadi expressed “The Snail”. regret that several very Majid Jozani, manag- good films had not been ing director of the Art- in the festival this year, ists House distributed and honored the memo- three million worth of ry of Behnam Safari and commodity purchase Arsalan Amiri. cars among the prize Omid Rohani the film winners, and the board critic said: “I have set of directors of the short myself the task of seeing film society asked the all films that are in Teh- managing director of ran. I have viewed all 50 the House of Cinema documentary films and to arrange for the pub- the 70 short films. I feel lic screening of the se- they were all great and I lected films of the fes- am glad I am living with tival. such a cinema and can The guests in the cer- enjoy it.” emony included the Mohammad Mehdi As- prize for best film to Azad Moham- Mohammadi thanked his actors consul and first secre- garpour, the managing director of mad for the film “The Snail”, and Raya Nasiri and Pouria Rahimi who tary of the German embassy in Teh- the House of Cinema, presented the ran. from page 6 Documentary Films’ Celebration He said that there was great demand medium-length documentary film the festival, and Rashtian paid trib- present government officials face a on the part of people to see this type was awarded to Fereshteh Joghtai ute to Zahiri as one of the founders great task. They have to offer outlet of films and added that he and a for “How Green Was My Valley”. of the society of documentary film- for the flood of creativity.” group of documentary film produc- Qasem Qlipour presented the statu- makers who has always preserved The statuette for best direction of ers were working to arrange for the ette for best producer of a medium- the balance between realism and a full-length documentary film was public screening of docu- awarded to Fima Emami mentaries. and Reza Daryanoush for The statuette for best the film “Mrs. or Mr. B’s producer of a documen- Vacant Place”. tary film was presented to Emami said: “We re- Mohsen Ramazanzadeh ceived many prizes for for the film “Parseh”. this film but the best Ramazanzadeh said: “This prize would be to have is one of the few films insurance coverage”. which I made for Sima And Daryanoush thanked Film on which I had no Mohammad Afarideh problem during the mak- and Shaif Agha Moham- ing. But when the film had madian. been finished Sima Film Then Mohammad Mehdi has closed. I hope the na- Asgarpour stepped on the tional television comes stage to present the prize up with a solution for the for best full-length docu- screening of documentary mentary film. He said: films.” “At the time we were dis- Rakhshan Bani-Etemad cussing to add the societ- stepped on the stage to ies of documentary and present the prize for best short films, there was the direction of a documentary concern that these new film. She said: “I am glad member guilds would not we have had the chance of be on a par with the other gathering together after a film trades. But now it is long interval. I pray Divine clear that without these help for the managers of the House length documentary film to Touraj sober filmmaking and is one of the societies work in the House of Cin- of Cinema so that they can continue Aslani for “How Green Was My Val- few producers of documentary films ema would be tedious.” their good work and arrange for fur- ley”. who have learned their trade in an The statuette for best full-length ther gatherings of filmmakers. We Mahboubeh Honarian, Saeed academic and scientific manner. documentary film was awarded to rarely hear the truth and have learnt Rashtian and Morteza Poursamadi Then Ebrahim Mokhtari came for- the center for promotion of docu- to close our eyes and ears, although stepped on the stage to present the ward to present the statuette of best mentary and experimental cinema the eyes and ears of documentary medal of the society of documentary direction of a documentary film. He and Fima Emami for the film “Mrs. filmmakers are never closed. They filmmakers to Javad Zahiri. referred to the one hundred year his- or Mr. B’s Vacant Place”. say documentary films are not given Poursamadi thanked Zahiri for his tory of documentary filmmaking in Saeed Elahi director of the center any kind of support. In a way that is humane and kind treatment of the the country and said: “Documentary for promotion of documentary and a blessing in disguise for it teaches crew during the shooting. filmmaking in Iran has reached an experimental cinema thanked Mo- filmmakers to preserve their inde- Honarian thanked the board of explosive stage. It presents an over- hammad Afarideh and all the people pendence and honor.” managers of the House of Cinema flow of wisdom and creativity that who collaborated for the creation of The statuette for best direction of a and Farhad Towhidi for organizing has been blocked by officials. The the film.

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