This is definitely the season of film festivals; and quite a few international film festivals here in the States.

The Freer and Sackler Galleries, which belong to the Smithsonian consortium of museums, has been hosting an Iranian Film exhibition since January. I was fortunate enough to catch a special presentation film by Iran’s most famous director Abba Kiarostami. The work that was previewed, entitled Ta’ziyeh/The Spectators, was simply but uniquely the presentation of The Ta’ziyeh, a theatrical form of Islamic musical drama, usually performed by everyday citizens, in towns and villages throughout Iran. The play dramatizes the notorious battle of Karbal in 680, when Muhammad’s grandson Husayn was murdered along with his followers.

There is nothing unordinary about the filming of the religious ritual; however, with this director it’s all in the presentation. The Spectators was presented on three separate screens, and the audience could only enter once the movie began rolling. The jumbo screen to the right showed the men’s section of the theatre, focusing on their expressions and movements. Similarly, the left jumbo screen focused on the faces of the women. The middle screen, which was significantly smaller and the only color screen, broadcasted the performance.

This experience was unique in that we were spectators of the audience within the movie. Furthermore, Persian rugs were placed on the floor, so the movie-going audience was forced to view from below. Interestingly enough, it also created a bit more intimacy among the audience.

If you happen to be in the Washington, DC area this month, there are two more Iranian films that will be previewed. Please check here for more information.