Militant Islam enjoyed its first modern triumph with the arrival in power of Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran in 1979. In this series of three programmes, key figures tell the inside story.
On Wings of Eagles is a NBC TV mini-series, starring Burt Lancaster - Richard Crenna and directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. The TV series was adapted from Ken Follet's novel of the same name. The plot is set during the Iranian revolution. During the takeover of Iran, the king is overthrown, and two executives of Electronic Data Systems are imprisoned on false charges. The head of the company, Mr. Perot, travels to Tehran to negotiate for their release. Meanwhile, a retired US Army Special Forces Colonel, Arthur Simons, is hired to develop a rescue plan at any cost.
Persepolis is a powerful and poignant animated film that tells the story of Marjane, a young Iranian girl coming of age during the Islamic Revolution. As she grows up in Tehran, she witnesses the changes in her country and the impact they have on her family and herself. From her childhood dreams of revolution to her experiences as a teenager studying abroad, Persepolis explores themes of identity, freedom, and the complex relationship between Iran and the West.
Based on true events, 'Septembers of Shiraz' tells the story of an Iranian Jewish family caught in the chaos and danger of the Islamic revolution.
Rosewater is a biographical drama film based on the memoir of Iranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari. It tells the story of Bahari's imprisonment and interrogation in Iran, following the controversial 2009 Iranian presidential election. The film explores themes of political repression, journalism, and the struggle for justice.
Today, Israel and the United States are Iran's enemies par excellence. Their reconciliation seems impossible. Is the history of these three countries the chronicle of a war foretold, delayed for decades but inevitable?
Coup 53 (2019) is a captivating documentary that delves into the events surrounding the 1953 coup in Iran, examining the role of various political actors and the repercussions of the coup on Iran's future. Through interviews, archives, and reenactments, the film sheds light on the power struggles, espionage, and geopolitical dynamics that led to the overthrow of Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. It also explores the involvement of foreign powers, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, and their motivations in orchestrating the coup. Coup 53 offers a compelling look at the intertwined history of Iran, imperialism, and the struggle for national identity.
Over 90 years old Ellen Vuosalo has lived many lives. First as a Finnish immigrant in Canada, then as a zoology student in California and finally as a mother of snow cranes in Iran. Iiris Härmä's Mother of Snow Cranes tells the story of an incredible woman's extraordinary life, from love to tragedy to revolution. It is a story about nature, humanity, and the role of women in both the West and Iranian culture. Or as Ellen herself says " What a life! What a world!"
Set in Iran during the political turmoil of the 1970s and 1980s, 'All Three of Us' follows the journey of a man who is imprisoned for his political activism. He endures torture and solitary confinement, but never loses hope. After his release, he moves to France with his wife and starts a new life, facing challenges and adapting to a new culture. The film beautifully portrays the struggles and resilience of the protagonist, highlighting the power of love and determination.
When a renowned film actress receives a video message from a missing young girl, she embarks on a journey to a rural village, facing obstacles and gossip along the way. As she investigates, she discovers the girl's desperation and finds herself questioning societal traditions and seeking empowerment.
The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble is a documentary that explores the life and music of Yo-Yo Ma, a Chinese-American cellist. The film follows the journey of the Silk Road Ensemble, a multicultural musical group founded by Ma, and their unique artistic collaboration. It delves into the lives and experiences of the ensemble members, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and the impact of music in connecting people across cultures. Through interviews, performances, and behind-the-scenes footage, the film showcases the power of music as a global language of joy, understanding, and expression.
“Price For Freedom” is based on the book written in 2013 by prominent NYC dental implant surgeon Dr. Marc Benhuri. It is a chilling account of how members of his family were terrorized, tortured, and murdered in Iran when Ayatollah Khomeni seized power in 1979.
Iran 1979. The Islamic Revolution is shaking up the country. Dissident Omid, who lived for several years in the German Democratic Republic with his wife, chemical engineer Beate and their mutual daughter, hears the call from his homeland and returns to Teheran with high hopes and best intentions, bringing along his family.
A dramatized account of how the staff of the Canadian Embassy helped a group of American diplomats escape from Iran during the Iranian Revolution.
A documentary film showcasing a historic interview conducted by journalist Oriana Fallaci with Ayatollah Khomeini, providing a unique perspective on the Iranian revolution and the rise of a religious leader.
Directed in 1980 and released in 2013. On the issue of addiction in Iran in the 1980s. Mohsen's father is going to pass away soon due to an illness, however, Mohsen himself has been missing for 6 months. A BSc medicine student, he has become a drug addict and lost himself in the slums. Setting out to help him out of his conditions, and deliver his mother's care to him, his father starts searching for him. The movie is embedded in the social conditions of the 70s AD Iran, has a 70s Iranian chivalric tincture, religious color-as was the climate of the Iranian society at the time- and is blended with historic state propaganda. For the audience of that time, this movie would have received a fair score, as it touches on religious notions. However, the issue it addresses is far more complicated and sophisticated at this age, and its propaganda outlook can no longer attract significant commercial or critical attention.
A found-footage essay, Filmfarsi salvages low budget thrillers and melodramas suppressed following the 1979 Islamic revolution.
A coming-of-age story about Jack, a 16-year old Iranian boy growing up in 1989 Los Angeles. With the 1979 Iranian Revolution a distant memory, the AIDS movement as a backdrop, and a haunting score by Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij, Jack learns how to stage his own much smaller revolution within the confines of his traditional family.
For a Moment, Freedom is a road movie set in Turkey and Iran. It tells the story of a group of people yearning for freedom and fighting for human rights. The film explores themes of love, hope, and the struggles of innocent people caught in the chaos of political activism and mass execution. It follows the journey of a political activist and a group of refugees seeking asylum, as they navigate their way through the challenges and dangers of escaping their country and finding freedom.