This film is for people who love humans, human moments, grandparents or grandchildren. Abbas Kiarastomi is a filmmaker who will make your life richer if you let him. The State Department makes the greatest claim so far as to why the government should stay out of the movies. Despite his global acclaim and humanist reputation Kiarastomi was denied a visa and unable to attend the 2002 NY Film festival. Our continued loss. But enjoy his beautiful 1982 short film. &
The White Balloon
Jafar Panahi directs this sweet and simple tale of a girl who wants only to slip away and buy a goldfish - a journey that takes her through the wide world of Tehranian neighborhood streets. Kiarastomi wrote this film for his prot eg e Panahi, and it carries on the tradition of tender, spare filmmaking. Unfortunately, the United States has also followed tradition in our shabby treatment of Iranian filmmakers. Panahi was detained, cuffed and disdained because of beaurocratic folly involving a transit visa (pre-9/11 in this case).
Iranian Intelligence Ministry Drek
As always in Triple Features, the diehard fans are rewarded with the weird stuff. Here is what I consider a co-production from Iran and the United States. This is the kind of drivel that results when governments get in the way of people. The directors are hateful Iranian propagandists. These are the sort of filmmakers who will continue to prosper in Iran if our next government continues the policies of cultural ignorance and fear mongering amongst nations.
I offer at least one American citizen's apology to Abbas Kiarastomi and Jafar Panahi for my government's actions against them. And I look forward to a new administration where humane offerings are welcomed with an open mind and heart.
