26th April 2025
A partnership between Lived Perspectives and the Southampton Persian Cultural Centre, showcasing the work of independent Iranian filmmakers.
Whispers from Iran
This screening event took place at the Southampton Persian Cultural Centre (South of England). It was an evening of short films, food, live music and discussions. The audience included members of the local Iranian community, those curious to learn more about Persian culture, and film lovers of any persuasion.
About the films
Iranian cinema has a reputation for being quite bleak and two of the films are certainly hard-hitting, realistic dramas tackling social issues. However, the other films show the different tones and approaches of Iranian directors: one a dreamlike and surreal exploration of time and fate, and the other a romantic exploration of what we face for love. Film showings will be interspersed with live music by members of Iranian folk band Avaaye Del.
Unjustified (2023) directed by Mohammad R. Khavari - UK PREMIER
In the midst of a heated confrontation with their professor, a young student attempts to defend a pregnant classmate with a well-intended but misjudged act. The harsh reprisal from the institution exposes ingrained injustices across wider Iranian society in this fascinating psychological study.
The Two Lives of Sepideh (2023) directed by Soha Niasti - UK PREMIER
Sepideh, physically scarred from her traumatic upbringing and now raising a young daughter of her own, visits her estranged mother suffering with Alzheimer's to see if she still remembers their years of pain and conflict. A thought-provoking and beautifully acted family drama about finding the strength to forgive.
Eternal Recurrence of a Deep Sleep (2018) directed by Mohammad Moravej
A series of random incidents in the lives of cross-crossing strangers slowly reveals itself as an inescapable temporal web. Filmed in a single take, this dreamlike slice of life and death never fails to astonish festival audiences. Contains strong language.
Me, My Wife And Our Cow (2012) directed by Azadeh Moezzi
The daily struggles we face for our loved ones (both human and bovine) are explored in this gorgeously animated tale.
