FILM

EDINBURGH IRANIAN FESTIVAL Cinema is the beating heart of a community festival

Despite common misconceptions, Iran’s history and culture are rich with phenomenal music, art, i lm and food. The biannual Edinburgh Iranian Festival aims to foster a sense of understanding, introducing audiences to the country’s diverse cultural highlights. ‘Iran is more often in the headlines for its politics than for its heritage and creativity,’ says festival organiser Sara Kheradmand. ‘So we hope to introduce Scotland to the heart and soul of Iran: its people and its culture.’

As well as talks, exhibitions and performances, the festival’s i lm strand will feature a wide range of new releases and UK premieres, including Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar-nominated The Salesman. ‘The i lm season this year is

one of two halves,’ explains Kheradmand. ‘On the one hand, it pays tribute to one of the legends of Iranian cinema, Abbas Kiarostami. And on the other, it looks to the future of Iranian cinema by providing a platform for several young female directors.’ The festival will also focus on stories with young women at the centre, such as Sarah Saidan’s animated short Beach Flags (pictured) and Reza Mirkarimi’s familial drama Daughter. Kheradmand is ultimately hopeful that the festival will meet its goals in terms of uniting communities. ‘We hope people will recognise that we’re all more alike than we are different.’ (Arusa Qureshi) Various venues, Edinburgh, Thu 9–Sun 19 Feb.

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1 Feb–31 Mar 2017 THE LIST 57