Berlin theater screening Iranian movies

TEHRAN,Feb.21(MNA) -- Berlin’s Babylon Theater is currently screening Iranian movies in a program entitled Controversial Iranian Cinema. The films are being shown with German subtitles in the event, which began on February 19 and runs until February 22. The social drama “So Close, So Far” (2004) by Reza Mir Karimi alongside with three historical movies “The Maritime Silk Road” (2010) by Mohammadr Bozorgnia, “The Kingdom of Solomon” (2008) and “The Saint Mary” (2000) by Shahriar Bahrani, a social drama, and three historical films. The Iranian cinema can look back on 100 years of tradition and has produced many talented directors, writers and actors who have been celebrated internationally and are renowned for their unique style. A discussion panel is held following each film screening which is attended by guests of honor from Iran including actors Ali Nasirian, Bahram Radan, Amin Zendegani, director Shahriar Bahrani and actresses Shabnam Qolikhani and Elham Hamidi. The Babylon website described Controversial Iranian Cinema as a phenomenon which “set upon itself the task of cultural exchange between East and West by means of art with the aim of promoting and strengthening relations between the cultures”. Iran Cinema Organization Director Javad Shamaqdari, Farabi Cinema Foundation’s officials Amir Esfandiari and Hassan Najjarian are also among the guests of honor at the event. “The Iranian cinema is known as the cinema of morality and nobility after the Islamic Revolution, and the films gained over 3000 awards in international festivals,” Najjarian mentioned.