No. 10 The House Of Cinema Newsletter Iranian Alliance of Motion Picture Guilds April 2010

Our Activities in 1389 .Report on Box Office Receipt of .Conclusion of Letter of Understanding . Between the House of Cinema and the Inside will Focus on Welfare Films Iranian Society of International Affairs

Mohammad Mehdi Asgarpour, The House of Cinema’s Managing Director: Our Activities in 1389 will Focus on Welfare

The first news session of the board of direc- of the House of Cinema in 1388, was related “I suppose you all agree that we are not con- tors of the House of Cinema in 13 89 (March to the social welfare. fronted with a single and well-formulated 21, 2010 – March 20, 2011) was held on Mon- attitude, and this is not restricted to recent day, April 12 In the presence of Mohammad “Unfortunately sometimes our criterion for years and has prevailed for many years.” Mahdi Asgarpour (chairman of the board and the evaluation of the activities of a guild so- managing director), Amin Tarokh (speaker ciety is restricted to the arrangement of a fes- Government’s outlook on the guild system of the board of directors of the House of Cin- tival. It is true of course that the organizing is not well defined. Asgarpour emphasized ema) and Farhad Towhidi (vice-chairman of of the festival is part of our job, but that does that the government’s outlook on the guild the board of directors). not mean the festival should be the sole basis system is not well defined, especially in the for the evaluation of our activities. As you are sphere of arts and culture, and said: “We are Asgarpour began by wishing a happy New aware the 13th festival’s most eye-catching not sure whether the government considers Year for all Iranians, especially the film com- programs were the tributes paid to several trade guilds as the means of its contact with munity, and said: “In going over the report prominent filmmakers.” the people or believes that such societies only of activities of the House of Cinema in 1388, perform ornamental roles. If we were to sur- published a few days ago, we have to remem- Most of the activities in 1389 will also be vey the past 20 years we would discover that ber that we had a very tumultuous year. Many focused on social welfare there have been many ups and downs in this areas of activities came almost to a standstill; connection and that as a result we have suf- nevertheless we had very fruitful activities.” The managing director of the House of Cin- fered many losses.” ema continued by enumerating the activities Citing the trip of a group from the Academy of of the House in 1389, and said: “For the cur- Referring to the damages caused by this at- Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to Iran, and rent year a major portion of our activities will titude and the ups and downs, he discussed the visit of an Iranian delegation to the Acad- revolve around the welfare issue. As you are the issue of the welfare emy, as well as the presence of representa- well aware there are different view points on and said: “Government Continue Reading tives of the exhibition guild council in France, the issue and most of them are related to the officials mostly disclaim in page 2 he said: “In spite of such programs it seems government’s attitude toward the guild soci- any responsibility and that the predominant aspect of the activities eties. consider it as one of the responsibilities of the Our Activities in 1389 will Focus on Welfare guild system. They certainly can claim this is any government method or policy requires has to take action. And as regards the banned one of the responsibilities legislative approaches, and that for the execu- films I suppose this falls within the responsi- of the House of Cinema, tion of any method the legal aspects have to bility of the producers or directors guilds. If from page 1 while the House of Cine- be considered too. They could have at least al- we were to take any action in this connection, ma can in turn claim this tered the charter which had been approved by then we might create problems for the other is beyond its means and the board of ministers appointed by the Presi- guilds as well, and I suppose this would be to that it is not among its duties. dent who has been elected by people’s votes. the liking of those who wish to see us fight “As it is the parcel of activities that were among ourselves.” formed in the previous year, it has to be fol- “They can alter the charter at any time, but lowed up in earnest. For the current year also that would not be an acceptable approach and In response to a question by ISNA news agen- we will follow up the insurance for jobless- would create a wrong historical precedent.” cy concerning the outcome of the agreements ness, and the social welfare for the members. He continued by saying: “There are other is- concluded with the Academy of Motion Pic- And as we believed we would need consulta- sues about which you may not be quite in- ture Arts and Sciences, Asgarpour said: “The tive assistance, we have even broached the is- formed. But it is true that at times the issues workshops that have been planned are the sue at international gatherings, and interest- are partly corrected by people of good taste, outcome of the agreement. But you know very ingly at the international level, it seems like while at other times, well that arranging a joke that 30 years after the triumph of the the issues take a more workshops, especially Revolution, which we claim is a cultural revo- undesirable turn by in the sphere of cine- lution, we have not yet settled issues like in- people of not very ma in which everybody surance and welfare.” good tastes.” would like to discover Asgarpour expressed regret and continued by problems could create talking about the living conditions of some In response to ques- difficulties. artists: “When we find out about their lives, tions about arrested we can only deplore that they are totally ne- filmmakers, Asgar- “To arrange the work- glected, while we know that the government pour said: “Maybe shops we have to bring cabinet accompany the President in his trips they have committed undesirable foreigners to the provinces, as if they were only intended crimes. But I wish we among ourselves or we to provide decorative companionship.” were told about what have to go to the for- Emphasizing the issue of job security, he they have done so that eigners. There is also talked of several projected workshops in cin- filmmakers, including a third alternative. In ematography, screenwriting and production myself know how to other words we could planning, and said that probably one of the answer questions on travel together with the workshops will be on cinematography and the topic when we are undesirable foreigners will be held abroad. asked about them in to a third country. And our trips abroad.” that is probably what Farhad Tohidi Selected as Secretary of He also referred to we will have to do for the Fourteenth Festival of Cinema a number of releas- the workshop for cin- es and said that the ematographers.” In another part of the session, Asgarpour in- House of Cinema had As regards the restora- troduced Farhad Tohidi as secretary of the made efforts for the tion of the films, which 14th Festival of Cinema. realization of the re- had been arranged to In another part he referred to the Interna- leases. Farhad Tohidi be done by the delega- tional Standard Audiovisual Number (ISAN) I know nothing about tion from the Academy, and said: “It is important to note that ISAN the high council of cinema other than what I the Managing director of the House of Cinema has accepted the House of Cinema as its rep- have read in the press. said: “The House of Cinema is not authorized resentative in Iran, and thus we can hope that to take any action in this regard, because the part of the vacuum regarding the registration Concerning the high council of cinema he films are not in our hands. The films are in of copyrights of art works will be filled. As I said: “About this I know as much as you do the custody of the National Film Archive, and pointed out earlier the institute registers copy- and perhaps less. I have read about it in the besides we do not have the necessary means rights for all types of audio-visual works and press, and I know that the deputy minister for for dispatching the films or returning them. thus even those who work outside the field of cinema has announced it, but I have no idea But we are prepared to act as a mediator be- cinema can have their works registered.” about the composition of the council, and we tween the two parties. When the Academy Asgarpour also said that efforts were being have had no contact in this connection. For delegation proposed the task we felt it would made to obtain ISAN representation in the the moment we can only wait to find out about be rather complicated to explain the situation entire Middle East. the composition of the council and then per- to them so we said that we accept the proposi- haps we can talk about it.” tion. And that is what has been reported by The session continued with a press conference the media.” in which the managing director of the House We have not yet received 38 percent of of Cinema answered the reporters’ questions. our budget for the previous year Preparations are underway for the trip to In response to the question about the absence India of a representative from the House of Cinema In another part of the session the managing in meetings for the issuance of film produc- director of the House of Cinema referred to In continuation Asgarpour said in response tion licenses, Asgarpour said: “The totality of the issue of the budget of the House of Cine- to questions regarding the trip of members activities of a guild institution and its rela- ma and said: “We did not received 38 percent of the House of Cinema to India, “I do not tionship with the government has a long his- of the budget for the past year and I have been mean to connect everything to the budget, but tory which we all know. And as I pointed out told that there have been similar cuts in other preparations for the trip to India are under- there has always been an uncertainty in this sections. I really don’t know whether or not way. When we talk about the Indian cinema regard. The uncertainty concerns not only the that has really happened. But I do know that we have to keep in mind that we are talking issuance of license but also in issues related our entire budget is equal to the production of about a national cinema that has acquired to the budget and many other points. I do not one film or perhaps a little more. And I would different aspects in the world and that its fa- wish to blame any specific official. What is really like to know how much any government cilities are approaching the extent of what is important for me is the necessity of correct- organ would need if they were to carry out all at the disposal of Hollywood. And this can af- ing the situation.” of the functions of the House of Cinema.” ford a great lesson for us if we wish to create In continuation, Asgarpour said in response an industrialized cinema.” Government strategies require legislative to questions about banned films or projects approaches that are not carried out even though they have The managing director of the House of Cin- received production license, and also about ema continued by saying: “In spite of our Asgarpour continued: “If we had been told why the House of Cinema makes no protest, criticism, I wish to express my appreciation from the beginning that the presence of a “We have to consider the House of Cinema for a number of policies House of Cinema representative is not neces- as a common assumption, and ask what the adopted by Farabi Cin- Continue Reading sary for the issuance of the license, everything House of Cinema is. For the moment we have ema Foundation. One of in page 3 would have been clear and we would know 29 trade guilds each of which has to be active these policies is presence that the new directors wish to control every- in their specific sphere. If there is any prob- of the Iranian film market at international thing themselves. But we have to realize that lem regarding the actors then their trade guild festivals. Some people ask whether it is really necessary sponsors the festival, and besides I felt that Amin Tarokh also talked about the long- to be present in all world festivals and some the House of Cinema should be present at the standing differences among the producers people ask if any results ceremony. But I wish that presence had led to and said: “Some of the problems are at times from page 2 are obtained from partic- the resolution of some problems which it did brought up at the meetings of the board of ipation in these markets. not. Besides difference of opinion does not directors with some concern, and sometimes Personally I believe it is mean gunfight and ultimately all differences they are real problems. essential that we participate in these markets should be resolved by negotiations.” and present our films. And I suppose it is a In response to the question about the com- A lot of efforts have been made in this con- legitimate question to ask about the benefits plaint lodged against the film director Fara- nection, some of which were carried out by of the markets. jollah Salahshour, he also said: “That case is the previous board of directors of the House taking its legal course and we sometimes at- of Cinema. In my view because of the lack of “Another positive point is the fact that we tend the court proceedings, and if the matter a clear policy the problems are worsening day have been able to launch an interaction with is followed up then we will take back our com- by day.” Farabi, and thus some of our members have plaint.” Tarokh continued by presenting a historical been able to attend Cannes and Berlin festi- survey of the efforts done by the House of vals last year, and I hope the trend Cinema in this connection; “Our will continue in the coming Cannes efforts for the resolution of the festival.” problem led to the creation of a fourth institution under the No Interaction Among Organs title of Society of Independent Producers, and there have been In response another question regard- more meetings. So I believe the ing the House of Cinema’s silence problem can be resolved only on the issue of raising cinema ticket when the producers adopt a co- prices, Asgarpour said: “I attended operative attitude.” several meetings of the exhibition guild council and I know that many Farhad Tohidi, vice-chairman factors are involved. Raising ticket of the board of directors of the prices is not a new issue, and we only House of Cinema also talked witness the outcome, namely, the during the session: “I hope this higher ticket prices. At any rate there will be the last session in which seems to be no other alternative and we wish for the release of Jafar the council, which includes represen- Panahi.” tatives from various guilds, does not The director of the screenwriters wish to create circumstances that would dis- The root of the problems at the guilds guild continued: “The House of Cinema has suade people from going to the movies, which council is economic done a lot for the release of all arrested film- ultimately hurt all of them. makers and has written to many government To the question about the problems of the authorities, but so far there has been no re- “We do not have good impressions from gov- guild council, Asgarpour said: “The root of sult. So I hereby request the President of the ernment sponsorship for the film screenings, the problems at the guilds council is eco- Islamic Republic of Iran, who said Iran is the but it could be effective.” nomic and not cultural. With the increase in freest country in the world, to accord top pri- On the issue of low quality films that are dis- the number of screening halls the problems ority to the fate of the imprisoned filmmak- tributed fro home viewings and ers.” the House of Cinema’s reaction to the trend, Asgarpour said: “There Referring to the fact that he is now no interaction between or- had been appointed as secre- gans. As a matter of fact even films tary of the 14th Feast of the that go on the public screens are House of Cinema, Farhadi mostly of very low quality. At any said: “After I closed down rate it is up to the producers to do the 13th feast without arous- something. ing too much attention it was assumed by my friends that “Producers should also be con- I could do the same in case cerned about the skyrocketing of any problem arose for the the actors’ salaries, or about films 14th edition. But I hope that that never get a chance to go on will not happen and that we the screens although they have will organize the 14th edi- been given exhibition license. This tion satisfactorily.” is the usual practice all over the world.” Regarding the regulations of the feast he explained: “Rep- In another part of the session and resentatives from the guilds in response to a question concerning the TV could aggravate. I believe the differences are have already been selected from various channels, Asgarpour said: “Our TV channels’ based on a simple formula and as long as the guilds, so that an independent organ would be insistence in attracting film actors is unprec- economics of art are controlled by the govern- responsible for the organization of the feast edented in the world. Apparently they now ment, such differences are to be expected. from now on. There has been some progress, cancel TV projects that fail to attract popular but there will be need for more meetings and stars. And I feel that the situation can not be “There are now 29 trade guilds in the House of hopefully the charter will be prepared so that changed unless there are understanding rela- Cinema, and usually there are no differences as of next year the feasts will be arranged on tionships among concerned parties.” unless the interests of some of the members the basis of that charter.” are at risk. As regards the differences at the Conflicts are the salt of the business producers’ guild we often organize sessions Concerning the exhibition of the capabilities and reach agreements, but then after the ses- of the Iranian cinema he said: “The exhibition In response to questions about his conflicts sion one producer changes his mind and the is to be set up alongside of the feast of the with government officials and if there will be differences continue. But if the relationship House of Cinema. We have already discussed an end to the conflicts, he said: “The conflicts between the private and the public sector is the matter with our sponsors and we hope to are really the salt of the business. I feel that founded on firmer grounds then individual face fewer financial problems this year.” some of the interest of the affairs would be members can not create problems, relying on lost if any proposal is accepted on the spot. So their connections with the government sector Towhidi concluded by talking about the trans- don’t be waiting for the end of the conflicts; or the House of Cinema.” formation of the script bank to the bank of they help to enliven the atmosphere and would Asgarpour also pointed out: “As long as the cinematic works, and said: “After the scheme serve as a lesson for the next generation.” government has not reached the conclusion has been finalized the bank will register not To the question of why he had accompanied that it needs the assistance of a guild institu- only film scripts, but other works such as set the government officials at the closing cer- tion as an intermediary with the people, such and costume designs, and even audio-visual emony of Fajr International Film Festival, arguments will go on, and they will hurt both works produced by radio and TV channels. He Asgarpour said: “I used to be the managing the guilds and perhaps the Ministry of Cul- said that further details would be announced director of Farabi Cinema Foundation which ture and Islamic Guidance.” at the coming session. Report on Box Office Receipt of Films in March 21, 2009 - March 20, 2010 In one of the exceptional events in the are discovered by the two women. who get along very well. However, new Iranian cinema in the year 1388 (March Qodratollah Solh Mirzai’s “The Sweet Life” circumstances usher in anew new phase 21, 2009 – March 20, 2010), box office re- ran for 62 days and had box office receipts in their friendship. ceipts for 12 films exceeded $1,000,000, of $880,000 in Tehran and $1,275,000 in The box office receipt of over $1,000,000 while the record sale of the film “The the provinces, a total box office receipt in the Iranian cinema has been recorded Expelled II” ushered in a new era in the of $2,625,000. As in his films of the past for a film by Tahmineh Milani. “Ceasefire” exhibition field in the country. It should few years Mirzai cast Javad Razavian in was the first Iranian film which had a box also be noted that many films are still the main role to tell the story of a singer office receipt of over $1,000,000. Milani waiting to go on the screen, and many of whose twin brother’s arrival in Iran cre- had a new film “Superstar” on the public the screened films had box office receipts ates problems for him. screens during the New Year holidays, and of less than $50,000. A total of 58 films “About Elly” by Asghar Farhadi was origi- after running for 79 days in 25 cinemas went on the screen during the year. nally scheduled to be screened during her film earned $900,000 in Tehran and The number of the screening halls and the the New Year holidays. But a number of $700,000 in the provinces, thus achiev- conditions for film screenings have always unexpected circumstances postponed ing a total sale of $1,600,000. had close relationships with one another its screening until two months later and With the well-known actor Shahab Hos- in the country, and many people attribute some people believe that is why the film seini in the main role, the film focuses the high box office receipts of films in the could not earn more than $2,000,000. on a movie star who life takes a new turn past year to three factors, namely, the cre- After a run of 99 days “About Elly” re- when a teenager girl enters his life. ation of movie screening complexes, the ceived $1,200,000 at Tehran box offices, “Penniless”, the second feature by Hamid Nematollah after running for 79 days in 25 cinemas the film earned $800,000 in Tehran and $750,000 in the provinces, thus achieving a total sale of $1,550,000. With Leyla Hatami and Bahram Radan in the principal roles, the comedy film re- counts the adventures of a young couple who are driven to destitution at the begin- ning of their life. “The Book of Law”, the first banned film that received screening license under the new cultural management, recouped $950,000 in Tehran and $450,000 in the provinces, a total of $1,500,000. Directed by Maziar Miri, the film presents a criti- cal view of piety of some people. It is the story of a Christian woman who embraces Islam and marries an Iranian man.

After 72 days of screening in 22 theaters “Trial in the Street”, the latest picture by fact that the complexes are scattered in with an additional receipt of $800,000. Masoud Kimiai, received $600,000 in various parts of the capital city, and fi- Farhadi’s acclaimed film recounts the sto- Tehran and $400,000 in the provinces nally the support of the City Cinema In- ry of an eventful trip of a few friends to thus achieving a total sale of $1,000,000. stitute in providing sufficient numbers of the northern part of the country. The figure represents the highest sale film prints. After 78 days of screening in 25 theaters for a Kimiai film in recent years. As with According to statistics published by City “Tehrani Boy” by Kazem Rastgoftar re- many other films, “Trial in the Street” is Cinema there are now 212 operating cin- ceived $950,000 in Tehran and $900,000 in praise of friendship and tells the story emas with a total capacity of 131044 seats. in the provinces thus achieving a total sale of a young man who finds out about the There are also 6 semi-operative cinemas of $1,850,000. act of betrayal by his fiancée just hours with 3200 seats. Ticket prices range from The film plot relates the story of Soroush before their scheduled marriage. 17000 to 30000 rials. who has just returned home from the U.S. “Wedding Rings” by Shahin Babapour af- The beginning of the year 1388 was the His father wants him to get married, but ter a screening period of 47 days at 19 cin- busiest period for the cinemas. The screen- Soroush, who has five failed romantic ex- emas in the capital city earned $550,000 ing of “The Expelled II” started during the periences, does not comply. in Tehran and $240,000 in the provinc- New Year holidays with extensive promo- “The fighting Cock” directed by Masoud es. The film recounts the story of a young tional programs. After a screening period Atebbai is another film with over a million man who works in a large company. Cer- of 79 days in the capital city the film earned dollar sale. The film earned $920,000 in tain events in the company endanger his $38,000,000 in Tehran and $47,000,000 Tehran after a run of 95 days in 21 cin- professional position and his family life. in the province, thus achieving a total sale emas, and $850,000 in the provinces, a The million dollar sales ends with the of $85,000,000. total of $1,780,000. above 12 films; and none of the other A sequel to “The Expelled”, the film pres- Atebbai cast Merila Zarei and Reza At- screened films reached that figure. ents a humorous account of the captivity taran in the roles of a couple who decide The comedy film “Checkmate” directed by of a number of the Iranian combatants by to trade places with one another, and as Jamshid Heidar received $530,000 af- the Iraqis during the Iran-Iraq war. a result both of them face a variety of ad- ter running for 46 days at 21 cinemas in “Two Sisters” directed by Mohammad ventures. Tehran, and $ 980,000 in the provinces, a Banki received $1,350,000 after running “Bee Sting” by Hamid Reza Salahmand total of $980,000. The for 90 days at 22 cinemas in Tehran, and was on the public screens for 72 days in film tells the story of a Continue Reading in page 5 $ 1,275,000 in the provinces, a total of 25 halls and recouped $950,000 in Teh- young man called Beh- $2,625,000. Banki cast the popular star ran and $800,000 in the provinces, a to- rouz who fails in all of Mohammad Reza Golzar in the film which tal of $1,750,000. his efforts and finally attempts suicide. tells the story of a man who has relations The film depicts the relations of two But he is saved and this is the beginning with two sisters and finally his schemes friends from two different social strata of a new life for him. “Mr. Chameleon” by Shahram Shah-Hos- achieving a total sale of $420,000 after Motavasellani ran for 49 days in 14 cin- seini did not achieve the multimillion dol- running for 61 days in 17 cinemas. Featur- emas and earned $70,000 in Tehran and lar sale its producers ing Mahnaz Afshar, the film tells the story $35,000 in the provinces, thus achieving from page 4 had counted on, and of a young woman whose husband is af- a total sale of $105,000. only received $390,000 flicted with cancer and has little time to after running for 49 days at 23 cinemas in live and takes a trip to his homeland to “Leyla’s Dream”, another film that found Tehran, and $375,000 in the provinces, a review his past life. the chance of going on the screens after a total of $765,000. The film tells the story “Don’t Step on the Ground” by Iraj Qa- long time, ran for 23 days in 15 halls and of a man who breaks into a house with deri earned $135,000 in Tehran and earned $70,000 in Tehran and $30,000 in the intention of stealing, and accidentally $150,000 in the provinces, thus achieving the provinces, thus achieving a total sale finds out about the second marriage of a total sale of $285,000 after running for of $100,000. Classified as a horror film, one of the local officials. 42 days in 14 cinemas. The film tells the “Leyla’s Dream” features Leyla Zareh and “Millionaire Girl” directed by Akbar story of a man in an enviable financial po- recounts the encounter of a girl with an Khamin ran for 54 days in 14 cinemas sition whose life takes a new turn after an imaginary being. and sold only $385,000 in Tehran, and unexpected incident. “Fox Hunt” by Majid Javanmard ran for 23 $ 250,000 in the provinces, a total of “The Sanctuary” by Reza Khatibi ran for days in 10 cinemas and earned $45,000 $635,000. 38 days in 14 halls and earned $170,000 in Tehran and $50,000 in the provinces, “Bleeding Heart’ by Mohammad Reza in Tehran and $100,000 in the provinces, thus achieving a total sale of $95,000. Rahmani after running for 46 days in 16 thus achieving a total sale of $270,000. cinemas earned $300,000 in Tehran and The film, classified as a horror picture, Farzad Motamen’s “The Sounds”, which $290,000 in the provinces, thus achieving features the well-known actor Hamid Far- aroused some controversy during its a total sale of $590,000. “Bleeding Heart’ rokhnezhad and is set in a village haunted screening, ran for 27 days in 4 cine- synopsis: Emad is awaiting execution for by ghosts that apparently intend to save mas and earned $65,000 in Tehran and the murder of his wife. With the arrival of the rural heritage. $25,000 in the provinces, thus achieving the attorney and his unexpected proposal “Hesitation” is Varuzh Karim-Masihi’s a total sale of $90,000. The film focuses the story takes a new turn. second feature after a hiatus of 20 years. on a murder which occurs in a three-sto- Rasoul Sadr-Ameli’s “Loneliness Every The film ran for 55 days in 13 halls and rey building and involves each of the in- Night” had similar box office receipts. earned $225,000 in Tehran and $40,000 habitants in various ways. After running for 48 days in 10 cinemas in the provinces, thus achieving a total sale “-18” ran for 23 days in 8 cinemas and the film earned $400,000 in Tehran and of $265,000. Karim-Masihi has based the earned $40,000 in Tehran and $50000 in $190,000 in the provinces. The film tells film the Shakespeare play “Hamlet”. the provinces, thus achieving a total sale the story of a couple’s trip to Mashad and “The Familiar Soil” by Bahman Far- of $90,000. is part of Sadr-Ameli’s trilogy on pilgrim- manara, which had aroused a lot of con- age to the shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.) troversy, finally went on the public screen “The Bodyguard” by Mohammad Javad “The Postman Does Not Ring Three Times” after several scenes had been cut out from Kasesaz earned a total sale of $25,000 by Hassan Fat’hi received $800,000 after it. The film ran for 46 days in 8 halls and in Tehran and $40,000 in the provinces, running for 45 days at 20 cinemas in Teh- earned $150,000 in Tehran and $30,000 thus achieving a total sale of $65,000 af- ran, and $180,000 in the provinces, a to- in the provinces, thus achieving a total ter running for 10 days in 11 cinemas. tal of $580,000. The film depicts a maca- sale of $180,000. Farmanara’s film tells bre atmosphere of three historical periods the life of a writer who leads a secluded “The Fifth Rider” by Saeed Motallebi went and deals with the relationship among life. on the screens after having been banned people in those periods. “By Night”, the joint work of Keyvan Ali- for thirty years. It earned $20,000 in Teh- “The Wink” directed by Jahangir Jah- mohammadi and Omid Bonakdar, had ran and $40000 in the provinces, thus angiri after running for 39 days at 21 been waiting to go on screens since 2005, achieving a total sale of $60,000. cinemas earned $300,000 in Tehran, and because it was presenting the famous “We Only Live Twice” by Behnam Behza- and $250,000 in the provinces, a total of star Hedyeh Tehran after a long time it di, which had a chance of being screened $550,000. The film tells the story of Hasti just managed to earn, after running for after two or three years, ran for 36 days in (Afsaneh Bayegan) a rich woman who has 26 days in 21 cinemas, $100,000 in Teh- 6 cinemas and earned $45,000 in Tehran been separated from her husband because ran and $70,000 in the provinces, thus and $15000 in the provinces, thus achiev- of family problems and faces a hazardous achieving a total sale of $170,000. “By ing a total sale of $60,000. The film tells course in her new life. Night” is the story of several friends dur- the story of a man who tries to settle some “When We Are All Asleep” directed by Ba- ing a party and the events that take shape accounts before committing suicide and harm Beizai was screened during the New in the minds of the characters of the film. whose life is totally changed when a girl Year holidays and received $330,000 af- “The Hut” by Javad Afshar earned a total enters his life. ter running for 80 days at 18 cinemas in sale of $120,000 in Tehran and the prov- “Internet Adventures” by Hossein Qana’at Tehran, and $170,000 in the provinces, a inces. Afshar’s film tells the story of sev- earned $30,000 in Tehran and $20,000 total of $500,000. The film takes a film- eral friends who take a trip to the northern in the provinces, thus achieving a total within-film form, as in several other of his part of the country and depicts the events sale of $50,000. Featuring Bahareh Rah- scripts and reveals problems in the private they face during their trip. nama, the film tells the story of the arrival lives of filmmakers by focusing on the life “Dexterous” by Mohammad Ali Sajjadi of a teacher in a village in the northern of one of the main actors. ran for 28 days in 20 halls and earned part of the country and his relationships “Twenty”, Abdolreza Kahani’s third fea- $65,000 in Tehran and $45,000 in the with the students. ture film, which was also on the public provinces, thus achieving a total sale of “Frenzied” by Mohammad Ali Sajjadi screens during the New Year holidays, was $110,000. The film, which managed to ran for 20 days in 9 cinemas and earned in fact the first film by the young director go on the screens after being banned for $25,000 in Tehran and $25,000 in the to have had public release. After running a long time, recounts the story of a young provinces, thus achieving a total sale of for 61 days in 17 cinemas the film earned man who faces new circumstances in his $50,000. $260,000 in Tehran and $150,000 in the life after his mother’s ghost returns to his “Tehran Has No Pomegranate” by Masoud provinces, thus achieving a total sale of life. Bakhshi went on the screens only in Teh- $410,000. With a large cast, the film de- “The Orange Taxi” by Ebrahim Vahidza- ran and earned $35,000. The screening of picts the efforts of workers in a restaurant deh, after running for 28 days in 19 cin- the documentary film, which presents a who have only 20 days to prevent its clo- emas, earned $75,000 in Tehran and historical review of the capital city in the sure. $35,000 in the provinces, thus achieving past hundred years, Continue Reading a total sale of $110,000. The film features is an unprecedented in page 6 “It Is a Moonlit Night” by Mohammad Azita Hajian in the role of a woman taxi event in the country. Hadi Karimi earned $250,000 in Teh- driver, working in the Kish Island. “Heiran” by Shalizeh Arefpour ran for 18 ran and $170,000 in the provinces, thus “Whatever You Like” by Mohammad days in 2 cinemas and earned $25,000 Profile

Gold & Copper - 2009 Director: Homayoun Asadian Cast: Writers: Hamed Mohammadi Behrouz Shaibi Producer: Manouchehr Negar Javaherian Mohammadi Javad Ezzati Sahar Dolatshahi Cinematographer: Hossein Jafarian Runtime: 97 Minuntes Editor: Bahram Dehghani Make up: Mehrdad Mirkiani Sound engeenier: Sasan Nakhai, Masoud Behnam Music: Aria Aziminejad Plot: Seyed Reza is a young clergyman who travels to Tehran in order to complete his education and attend a master of morals’ classes. His wife’s MS, changes his life and as he loves his wife, he’s forced to quit his theological courses and take after his wife and his two babies.

Conclusion of Letter of Understanding Between the House of Cinema and the Iranian Society of International Affairs

According to a press release from Cooperation in organizing spe- training courses and workshops the public relations office of the cialized meetings or various in screenwriting, documentary House of Cinema, the letter of seminars with themes such as: filmmaking, film direction, film understanding for scientific and Islam - Fear in the Western Me- reviews, and short-term work- artistic cooperation in produc- dia, Iran – Fear in the Region, shops on the fundamentals of tion and distribution of scien- Belief in the Freedom of Expres- international relations, interna- tific and artistic information has sion and Boundaries for Respect tional law and fundamentals of been signed between the House for the Beliefs of the Faithful in politics. of Cinema and the Iranian Soci- Various Religions, Persian Gulf The letter of understanding, ety of International Relations. and Sources of its Nomenclature, which has been signed by Mo- The letter of understanding aims World Peace and Reconciliation hammad Mahdi Asgarpour, man- at promoting and expanding co- and Its Relations with Justice aging director of the House of operation among civil institu- and Mutual Respect, Personal Cinema and Dr. Mahdi Zakerian, tions, and has been drawn up for Justice, Terrorism and Security president of the Iranian Society the exploitation of scientific and of People. of International Relations, will artistic capabilities in the fol- The cooperation will be orga- be valid for a three-year period. lowing three areas: nized in the form of artistic-

in Tehran and $10,000 in the provinces, and $8,000 in the provinces, a total of Tehran and $7,000 in the provinces, thus thus achieving a total sale of $35,000. $30,000. The return of an old singer to achieving a total sale of $15,000. “The Last Queen on the Iran after the Islamic Revolution and the “The Night of Hurrah” by Shahab Mel- from page 5 Earth” by Mohammad subsequent changes in the country form latkhah earned $8,000 in Tehran and Reza Arab, which had the central plot of the film. $7,000 in the provinces, thus achieving a a chance of being screened after three “The Penalty” by Ensiyeh Shah-Hosseini total sale of $15,000. years, ran for 40 days in 5 cinemas and ran for 25 days in 6 cinemas and earned “The Bright House” by Vahid Musaiyan earned $20,000 in Tehran and $10000 in $15,000 in Tehran and $15,000 in the was screened only in Tehran and earned the provinces, thus achieving a total sale provinces, thus achieving a total sale of $12,000. of $30,000. $30,000. The film recounts the efforts “The Other Bank of the River” by Abbas “Face to Face” by Ali Zhekan earned of a group of people who form a football Ahmadi Motlaq was screened only in Teh- $10,000 in Tehran and $20,000 in the team in order to receive homes from the ran and earned $3,500. provinces, thus achieving a total sale of oil company. “The Valley of Ellah” earned $2.500 in $30,000. The film presents the double life “The Spite II” was among the foreign films Tehran, “Redbreast” by Parviz Sheikh- of a man in two different social positions. to have been screened only in Tehran and Tadi earned $1,500 in Tehran and “Guan- “Testimony for God” by Alireza Amini, earned $27,000. tanamo” sold $400. ran for 35 days in 6 cinemas and earned “The Poet of the Wastes” by Moham- $18,000 in Tehran and $12000 in the mad Ahmadi ran up to the last day of the Note: Ticket prices in Iran range provinces, thus achieving a total sale of year and earned $20,000 in Tehran and from 2 to 3 dollars and each dollar $30,000. A railway switchman, who is fac- $5,000 in the provinces, thus achieving a is equivalent to 10,000 rials. ing imminent death, returns to his village total sale of $25,000. of birth to make sure no one bears him “Among the Clouds” by Ruhollah Hejazi any grudge, but he faces problem finding earned $13,000 in Tehran and $7,000 in The House of Cinema his old wife. the provinces, thus achieving a total sale Newsletter “Mahvash” directed by Mohammad of $20,000. www.khanehcinema.ir [email protected] Dormanesh received $22,000 after run- “Lilac Blue” by Javad Ardakani ran for 14 #29, Semnan St., South Bahar Ave., Tehran ning for 27 days at 15 cinemas in Tehran, days in 5 cinemas and earned $8,000 in 1561737511, Iran. Telefax: (98 21) 77 52 12 65