The new year is upon us, and with the Freer now closed for renovation, our film program has made its temporary move to other theaters around the DC area. I was pleased to see big crowds in the National Gallery of Art’s spacious East Building Auditorium during the opening weekend of our Twentieth Annual Iranian Film Festival on January 2 and 3.
If you weren’t able to join us, there are still plenty of provocative and inspiring Iranian films to come this month, starting with Dariush Mehrjui’s 1969 masterpiece The Cow. This landmark of Iranian cinema has long been unavailable on DVD, but thanks to the efforts of the National Film Archive of Iran, we are able to bring you a digitally restored version this Saturday at 1 pm.
Also not to be missed are Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s biting political allegory The President on January 17 and Jafar Panahi’s award-winning Taxi on January 23. This is the third film Panahi has made in defiance of a ban on directing films imposed by the Iranian government for alleged treasonous activities. Like its predecessors This is Not a Film and Closed Curtain, Jafar Panahi’s Taxi is a moving testament to his devotion to artistic freedom, no matter the cost.
I have seen some parts of Twentieth Annual Iranian Film Festivals video in Youtube. I have enjoyed it very much. Good luck Iranian Film.Wish it go ahead.
What a lovely photo of two kids, who got involved into film. We love seeing kids busy-doing one or another activity. It boosts their confidence, they communicate better, plus it helps to develop other skills and they pick up stuff easier 🙂 Active kids-happy kids!
thanks for efforts, the National Film Archive of Iran, for enabling to restore digital version of The Cow. It’s a good one !
We heard nothing, but good reviews about Your Film festival.We wish you well with all your future projects.Keep the good work up !