SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2008, at 6:30 PM
Film Society Presents Young Iranian Filmmakers
Special Guests: Mohamad Nazaarizadeh, P. K. Ziainia, Ayda Safaei,
Sara Mashayekh, Booby Naderi and Eslam Anthony Shams
ROYA
a film by: P.K. Ziainia
produced by: Ayda Safaei
SYNOPSIS
A husband want
s a son and a wife her sanity. When his cousin makes a risky offer, it just might help them both. An ordinary family will do unordinary things to try and have a normal life, in Iran, 2009.
Click Here To See Roya's Trailer
P.K. ZIAINIA
Writer, Director, Editor
P.K. Ziainia is an Iranian-American filmmaker. "When I write, it's not to glorify the already exalted, but to tell stories about people in the margins.” His most recent work, Roya, is set in the not too distant future of Iran. P.K. is currently finishing a Master’s degree in film at Loyola Marymount University and working on two films, one of which is a feature length version of Roya.
ESLAM ANTHONY SHAMS
Morad
Eslam Shams was born in Iran and moved to the States at 18. Eslam decided to pursue his own dream instead of his father’s and became an actor. Since then, he has performed theatre, on television, in film, and stand-up comedy around the world. Recently, Eslam appeared in the 2006 Academy Award winning Short Film "West Bank Story."
SARA MASHAYEKH
Elika
*****************************
THREE PEOPLE
and
THE MOTORCYCLIST
Two Short Films by:
Mohammad Nazarizadeh
"Three People " is based on a short story with the same name written by Reza Amirkhani. Adapted by writer and director Mohammad Nazarizadeh,
"Three People" tells the story of three guys who want to buy some books in Enghelab Street where Tehran's main bookstores are located. On their way to buy books, Abbas and his two friends confront youngsters who illegally sell American movies and playing cards. It is revealed that the three people are handicapped veterans of the Iraq-Iran war when the young bookseller tries to put a deck of playing card in Abbas’s German made prosthetic hand.
"The Motorcyclist” is the story of a young-poor-married motorcyclist who has plans for the money that
a passenger had forgotten and left on his bike.
Click Here to See Three Peoplpe's Trailer
Click Here To See The Mororcyclist's Trailer
Mohamad Nazarizadeh was raised in Tehran, Iran. After visiting many
countries, he moved to Los Angeles in 2000 to pursue his dream, making films. Mohamad graduated from USC Film School in 2005. While in school, his unique vision was admired by many of his classmates and professors. His passion is to make films that mirror the issues in our society. He is currently based in Los Angeles, working as a professional filmmaker. For more info visit: www.arnifilm.com
***************************
Bistoon & Its Secrets
Winner of Ziba Foundation Prize

a film by: Katayoun Afrooz
In the western part of glorious Persia, there is a historical mountain called Bistoon. Some historical monuments from the ancient Persian civilization can be found there. This mountain has an astonishing carving called the ‘Daruis’ Inscriptions.’ Ths inscription is one of t
he most important documents of the ancient world.

Katayoun Afrooz Director/Producer/Photographer
Los Angeles-based filmmaker Katayoun Afrooz undertook her formal education and training in Cinema in the United States.
Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Katayoun Afrooz has been working as a professional filmmaker, photographer and artist. She holds a Degree both in Cinema and TV production.
“Abyaneh, red village” is Katayoun’s first short documentary. “Abyaneh, red village” premiered in 2007 at the Los Angeles international shorts film festival.
Katayoun’s next documentary short film "Bistoon & Its Secrets" was shot entirely in Iran. “Bistoon & Its Secrets” premiered in October, 2007 at the New York International Film Festival (independent films on Iran) and was awarded with the Ziba Foundation prize.
***********************

SOUL OF THE REEF
a film by: MANI MIRSADEGHI
Soul of the Reef is pure cinema. A visual and magnificent journey into the unknown world of the reef.
************************