In this beautiful, dreamlike, yet earthbound film, Rahmat the boatman navigates the increasingly brackish waters of a coastal land, collecting the heartaches and tears of its inhabitants. But he remains powerless against their misguided attempts to appease the gods and make the land green again, whether by offering a bride to the sea or forcibly "treating" the eyes of a painter who sees in different colors.
Drawing first hand on the challenges faced by Iranian artists of today, writer-director Mohammad Rasoulof's deeply atmospheric and poetical film is a gorgeous allegory of intolerance, brutality and mystified routine that resonates far beyond any one state's borders.
This is an extraordinary and important film. The film makers have been sentenced to prison by the Iranian government for this film, an indication of how deeply they probe the nature of theocracy and oppression.
Directors: Mohammad Rasoulof
Country: Iran
Language: Farsi, with English sub-titles
Unrated, but some scenes of violence
Thursday, September 1, 7:30 pm (Opening Gala)
Friday, September 2, 2:00 pm (Matinee)
"..a haunting, heartbreakingly beautiful film."
Peter Calder, NZ Herald
"A gorgeously wrought fable trading in subtle, if nonetheless unmistakable social commentary"
Nick Schager, Tribeca Film Festival
Special Jury Awards for Best Film, Best Actor, Dubai International Film Festival, 2010
Golden Seashel Award, San Sebastian Film Festival, 2010
Krzysztof Kieslowski Award, Best Feature Film, Denver Film Festival, 2010
