Tehran Backyard

August 15, 2007 at 12:42 am (FILM REVIEW)

This film directing debut by Edinburgh-based artist Roxana Pope (pictured above on location) is a charming portrait of the life of a cleaner in a poor neighbourhood of Tehran. Shot beautifully, by Ian Dodds, the 30-minute film focuses on Pari, a 65-year-old who tells us she has worked for fifty years yet still does not think twice about supporting her husband, who is blind, and her family, on her meagre wages. Tehran Backyard is a vivid and impressive portrait of working class life in the Islamic Republic, devoid of the plaudit-seeking posturing that dogs much of Iran’s film output, while carrying, a subtle and touching women’s punch. Pope will be taking part in a Q&A on Sunday with writer Kamin Mohammadi at The Frontline Club in London following a screening of the film on a double-bill with Tehran Generation by Sara Bavar.

Londoners can catch both at:

The Frontlineclub
13 Norfolk Place
London, W2 1QJ

Tube: Paddington

Sunday 19 August at 4.00pm

Tickets: £5

Phone: +44 (0)20 7479 8950

Photo: Hoora Haeri

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