Chinese Director Sees Iranian Cinema as "A Real Life"
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The Chinese director of the film 'Norjmaa', which has been screened in Chinese section of the 33rd Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF), talked about Iranian cinema and his interest to this independent cinema.
According to the public relations office of the 33rd FIFF, Bayaneruul is the famous Chinese director whose film Sechenhangru won Best National Film, Best New Artist and was nominated for Best Actress in the 17th annual Beijing College Student Film Festival and featured at the 65th annual Cannes International Film Festival.
The director defined his reason behind joining the 33rd Fajr International Film Festival and said, “my film was sent from a Chinese company which is promoting Chinese cinematic works. This is a good festival and I already knew Iranian cinema and I liked it so I attended this event.”
“This is the first time I am in Iran but I have almost seen 80 percent of Iranian films. I like all Kiarostami’s films” he added.
Director of Norjmaa elaborated on significant aspects of Iranian cinema and emphasized that “What is most interesting about this cinema is that it is like you are watching a documentary. I mean this is like a real life. This is the most significant point of this cinema.”
He also compared Iranian cinema and Chinese cinema regarding their themes and structures, and said, “I believe that there are two similar cinemas in the world. You cannot find any similar cinema anywhere. Each country has its own cinema which is unique.”
The Chinese director pointed to the Chinese audiences and their knowledge about Iranian cinema and commented, “Unfortunately, Iranian films are not normally screened in Chinese movie theatres so they are not familiar with this cinema. But I should say that filmmakers and Chinese cineastes know Iranian cinema very well and they are following this cinema.”
Bayaneruul also named his favorite Iranian films and noted that “I can say all of Kiarostami’s films are my favorites. But the best of them can be “Where the Friend’s Home” or “Taste of Cherry”. Majid Majidi’s “Children of Heaven” which is translated into Chinese as “Small Shoes “or your Oscar winner film “The separation” are also great movies.”
Bayaneruul also pointed to his planning for new film and expressed his hope to take part in the next FIFF with his new film.
The 33rd Fajr International Film Festival is underway in Tehran and will last until May 2, 2015. This is the first year that international section of FIFF is being held separately from the national one.
