Persian Realm

Iranian Kurdish Director Bahman Ghobadi's Half Moon Starring Golshifteh Farahani tells the story of Mamo, an old Kurdish musician in the twilight of his life, plans to perform one final concert a cry of freedom in Iraqi Kurdistan. From the director of  Turtles Can Fly, Marooned in Iraq and A Time for the Drunken Horses.

Details: Half Moon (Kurdish: Nîwe Mang/Nîvê Heyvê) is a 2006 film written and directed by the Iranian Kurdish filmmaker Bahman Ghobadi. Half Moon is a joint production of Iran, Austria, France and Iraq. This movie was commissioned by the New Crowned Hope festival, a celebration of the 250th birthday of Amadeus Mozart, and the story plot has been inspired in part by the Requiem.

PLOT:

Mamo, an old Kurdish musician in the twilight of his life, plans to perform one final concert a cry of freedom in Iraqi Kurdistan. The village's elderly warn him that as the moon becomes full something awful would happen to him and urge him not to proceed with his plan. After several months of trying to overcome the red-tape, he begins a long and dangerous journey along with his sons. Along the way, the group picks up female singer Hesho who resides in a village of 1,334 exiled women singers. This adds to the complications of the trip as women are not allowed to sing in Iran. Despite all these obstacles, Mamo is determined to continue with his journey across the border.

Awards:
1. People's choice Award, International Competition, Istanbul International Film Festival, 2007.
2. Best Cinematography, San Sebastián International Film Festival, 2006.
3. FIPRESCI Prize, San Sebastián International Film Festival, 2006.
4. Golden Seashell, San Sebastián International Film Festival, 2006.