In the first day of FIFF, the movie “Cow”, directed by Dariush Mehrjui, was screened with the presence of Ali Nasirian and Hojatollah Ayoubi.
According to the Public Relations Office, the screening of “Cow” and the photo exhibition of the same film were the special events of the first day of FIFF, which with the presence of Ali Nasirian became more eventful.
Speaking of “Cow”, Reza Kianian, the notable Iranian actor, said: “Cow” is a really important film in the history of Iran’s Cinema. In 1970’s, New Wave of Iran’s Cinema Production begun, even though there were a number of movies before that time which also belonged to New Wave. Yet, the 70’s was the most historic time for our cinema.
Kianian continued: “at that time, many directors were born, which Dariush Mehrjui is one of them. Although, unlike many, he is still continuing his passion”.
Emphasizing how before the 70’s most of the characters in the films were types, Kianian also stated that: “there was only a finite number of types at the time in Iran’s cinema. Therefore directors who could not work with actors would go to theater actors, because they were more imaginative. “Cow” is the culmination of the efforts of such people, people who originally belonged to theater”.
He also referred to the actors in “Cow” and said”: “some have passed away, and some are ill. Some are still working, and I wish all of them luck and happiness. One of the actors who is still actively present in cinema is Ali Nasirian”.
After Ali Nasirian came to the stage, he expressed his happiness to be invited to the program, and continued: “I played the role of Mash Islam in “Cow”. When started to make the film, there was no cinema. It was all about theater. Mehrjui had already made the movie “Diamond 33”, and for the making of “Cow” he came to the backstage of our theater and asked us to collaborate with him”. .
He added: “at that time, having energy and being motivated was really important, and all of the cast and crew worked without even signing a contract. They did not come to work in the project for money or fame. They were all there because of the friendships among all of the members”.
In the end, Reza Kianian mentioned: “while we used to not have the technology for the preservation of old movies, we have them now, and the version of “Cow” you are going to watch today is the new restored version.
He also wished that Abbas Kiarostami will get better soon.
The 34th edition of Fajr International Film Festival is being held from April 20th to April 25th, 2016 in Charsou Cineplex, under the supervision of the well-known Iranian filmmaker, Mr. Reza Mirkarimi, who is also the Managing Director of Khaneh Cinema.
For more information on Fajr International Film Festival, visit the festival website, www.fajriff.com.
