ZALAVA

Demons! In 1978’s Iran *cough*Axis of Evil*cough*! In a remote mountain village called Zalava! Za-la-va: ne’er there was a name more reeking of evil! It sounds like an unforgivable curse only the vilest of Slytherin wizards would throw around, though for all we know it might simply mean “ice cream” in the tongue of the… Continue reading ZALAVA

TALL SHADOWS OF THE WIND

In the abundance of American, English, Russian or Italian movies, you should almost forget that there are also good movies from Asia and the Middle East. Their past, literature and legends offer interesting stories for screenplays. Director Farmanara, who lives in Canada for the moment, describes the life, the morals and the superstition of a… Continue reading TALL SHADOWS OF THE WIND

ONE THOUSAND MYTHS

In this adaptation of the Persian national epic Shahnameh, Iranian miniatures and songs are like a marriage made in heaven.

THE FORBIDDEN CHAPTER

Habib, a down-at-heel detective, is sent to his hometown, the holy city of Mashad on the Afghan border, to investigate a serial killer who targets prostitutes. In the city, religious pilgrims, Afghan refugees and the Iranian middle class live together in an explosive mix. It does not take long for Habib to identify the key… Continue reading THE FORBIDDEN CHAPTER