The acclaimed new film “No One Knows About Persian Cats” by Bahman Ghobadi (“Turtles Can Fly,” “A Time for Drunken Horses”) slowly leaks out through the U.S. starting this weekend. The film won the Special Jury Prize and Un Certain Regard at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, not to mention an award from the Miami International Film Festival, Sao Paulo International Film Festival, Tokyo Filmex, and three awards at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Cripes.
We saw the film at the Festival du Nouveau Cinema last fall and here’s a reprint of what we said about the film then: The fifth feature by celebrated Iranian director Bahman Ghobadi (“A Time For Drunken Horses,” “Turtles Can Fly”) is a fascinating and immersive drama about youth and music in Iran. The film follows a Tehran indie rock duo, Negar (Negar Shaghaghi) and Ashkan (Ashkan Koshanejad), as they search for bandmates for a London gig they have setup, as well as paperwork that will allow them to leave the country. They enlist the help of Nader (Hamed Behdad in a buoyant performance), a bootlegger, who navigates them through the tricky world of black-market passports, while introducing them to musicians from almost every conceivable genre who might be able to join their group. The film’s simple premise and episodic execution, allow Ghobadi to present a loving portrait of Iran’s rich musical culture while giving a scathing critique of the country’s misguided and corrupt bureaucracy (highlighted in a hilarious sequence in which Nader talks his way out of lashes and fines after being arrested). Using actual bands and artists, including hip hop group the Hichkas and blues band Mirza, Ghobadi celebrates all the music being created underground, in invitation-only salons or being pumped with abandon at house parties. Ghobadi’s film is beautifully restrained, connecting the importance and vitality of music in these Iranian’s lives – both young and old – with cumulative power. Ghobadi’s film is a moving and passionate plea on behalf of his countrymen against forces that continue to try and snuff their spirit. [B+]
For those of you not familiar with Bahman Ghobadi, he’s part of the Iranian New Wave of filmmakers that includes Abbas Kiarostami (“Close-Up”) and Mohsen Makhmalbaf (“The Cyclist”). Ghobadi’s films tend to blur the line between realism and documentary and watching “No One Knows About Persian Cats” at times feels like an immersive documentary on the hidden music scene in Tehran.
After the jump, you will find the release dates for the film, soundtrack details (the disc was in stores this past Tuesday) and the trailer for the film. A quick note: IFC plans to do their theater/TV day-and-date thing, and starting April 16th, the film will be available to watch via their “Video on Demand” program, which we highly recommend because its cheap and has a lot of worthwhile films. The channel’s also nationwide, so you’ll be able to see the film if it doesn’t get to your area.
Apr 18 – Landmark’s E Street Theater @ 6:30pm – Washington, DC
Apr 19 – Landmark’s E Street Theater @ 6:45pm – Washington, DC
Apr 30 – Minneapolis Iranian Film Fest @ 7:30pm – Minneapolis, MN
No One Knows About Persian Cats City Openings
Apr 16 – IFC Center – NY, NY
Apr 16 – Lincoln Plaza – NY, NY
Apr 23 – E Street – Washington, DC
Apr 23 – Town Center – Encino, CA
Apr 23 – Sunset – LA, CA
Apr 23 – Playhouse – Pasadena, CA
Apr 23 – Clay – San Francisco, CA
Apr 30 – Ritz At the Bourse – Philadelphia, PA
Apr 30 – River Oaks – Houston, TX
Apr 30 – Century Center – Chicago, IL
Apr 30 – Varsity – Seattle, WA
May 7 – Main Art – Detroit, MI
May 7 – Plaza Frontenac – St. Louis, MO
May 7 – Angelika – Dallas, TX
May 14 – Kendall Square – Cambridge, MA
May 14 – Chez Artiste – Denver, CO
May 21- Oslo – Monterey, CA
June 4 – Lagoon – Minneapolis, MN
June 4 – Reel Artways – Hartford, CT
June 4 – Palm – San Luis Obispo, CA
June 11 – CCA – Santa Fe, NM
June 11 – Gateway – Columbus, OH
July 16 – Mid-Town Art – Atlanta, GA
1/ Take It Easy Hospital: “Human Jungle”
2/ Take It Easy Hospital: “Me And You”
3/ Rana Fahran: “Mast-e Esgh (Drunk With Love) “
4/ Hichkas: “Ekhtelaf”
5/ Take It Easy Hospital: “Scenarios And Starlights”
6/ The Yellow Dogs: “New Century”
7/ Shervin Najafian : “Opening TItle”
8/ Ash Koosha: “Chasing The Sun”
9/ Mirza:”Emshab”
10/ Take It Easy Hospital: “My Sleepy Fall”
11/ The Free Keys: “Dreaming”
12/ Mahdyar Aghajani feat. Bahman Ghobadi: “Jouwani”
13/ Darkoob:”DK”
14/ Ash Koosha: “They Sing”
15/ Hamed Seyed Javadi: “Fekr”