In association with MUBI

Dir. Forough Farrokhzad 1963,  Iran, 22 mins, 35mm + poetry reading and discussion

The House is Black is the only known film directed by Fo**rough Farrokhzad** (1935 – 1967), one of Iran’s greatest 20th Century Poets who tragically died aged just 32.

The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest Iranian documentaries of all time and depicts, with vivid humanity, an isolated community of lepers living in Tabriz, northwestern Iran. This documentary is sound-tracked by segments of one of Farrokhzad’s poems, read by the author herself. A live English translation will be provided during the screening.

This rare screening of the film will be accompanied by readings of Farrokhzad’s poetry and a discussion of her legacy in Iranian cinema, culture and society. Panellists and speakers will include Elhum Shakerifar (producer, A Syrian Love Story, Even When I Fall, Almost Heaven, curator London Film Festival MENA programme, Shubbak Film Festival), **Narguess Farzad (Senior Fellow in Persian as SOAS University), and Vali Mahlouji (curator, critic and founder of founder of Archaeology of the Final Decade). Hosted by Jo Duncombe**.

The House Is Black premiered at Oberhausen Short Film Festival in 1963 where it received the award for best documentary. The Oberhausen Archive has kindly supplied their restored 35mm print of the film for this screening. 

Curated by Jo Duncombe, with thanks to Ehsan Khoshbakht, Elhum Shakerifar and Ebrahim Golestan.