Persian Realm

A Footage has been circulating on youtube lately showing Iranian Filmmaker Asghar Farhadi participating in the Post Election demonstrations in 2009 which was followed by a brutal crackdown. It is unclear from the footage on whose side (Green or other ?) Farhadi was protesting and cheering for but there can be little doubt that he was expressing a political stance like millions of other Iranians at the time.

Yet Farhadi has insisted time and again in all interviews that he is not a political filmmaker and that his films are not to be seen as political statements.

I guess Mr. Farhadi is entitled to his own opinion ( whatever that may be ?) and should be respected for it …

But can he or other artists working in the Islamic Republic truly remain as neutral or keep up the pretense for long ? …

Particularly when so many are in prison including one of their leading directors : Jafar Panahi …

What is certain is that returning home with the intention of working in one’s country or choosing exile in protest to a totalitarian régime continues to be a moral dilemma facing all Iranian artists to date.

The final choice is their’s and we have to respect it.

But then I guess that explains why despite it's undeniable artistic qualities "A Separation" is No "Z" Or "The Confession" and Asghar Farhadi, Kiarostami, Mehrjui and others are no Costa Gavras ...

MISTER "Z": Meeting Costa Gavras For "Une Journée à Tehran"

VIVE LE CINEMA !

Nevertheless ...

Darius KADIVAR

Paris, FRANCE March 2nd, 2012

Asghar Farhadi filmed participating in the post election demonstrations of 2009:

Asghar Farhadi Press Conference at Oscars:

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IRI TV debate on Farhadi’s Chances at the Oscars

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When IRI Forces Politics Down Your Throat:

Iranian film critic say’s that Farhadi should protest against the Israelian Zionist régime and in favor of the Palestinian cause if he were not to win and lose against it’s Israeli competitor

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Diaspora Artists Reaction

to Asghar Farhadi’s

Oscar Win

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Diaspora Actors / Directors Congratulate Farhadi’s Triumph:

Related blogs « Cinema and Politics »:

Asghar Farhadi Triumphs As An Artist But Fails As A Citizen

TEARS FROM HEAVEN: Leila Hatami breaks into tears when asked about Iran’s Film Censors

A STAR IS BORN: Leila Hatami’s Charm Seduces French Media

Ezatollah Entezami Bold Tribute To Shah’s Brother In Law Mehrdad Pahlbod on IRI TV

HUMP OR DEATH: Golshifteh’s «nudity» as metaphorical as her «acting»

MON CINEMA: Khosro Sinai's "VIVA !" (1979)

MON CINEMA: Mohsen Makhmalbaf's "Boykot" aka "Boycott" (1985)

Other Related Blogs :

French President praises Farhadi’s film

AVE FARHADI: Asghar Farhadi wins France’s Prestigious Film Award

BERLINALE 62: ‘Prince of Persia’ Gyllenhaal & ‘A Separation’ director Farhadi Join Jury

BERLIN TRIUMPH: Golden Bear for "Nader and Simin, A Separation"

MON CINEMA: Asghar Farhadi's "About Elly" (2009)