TEHRAN -- “Mizak” Film producer Jahangir Kowsari is convinced that Iran’s cinema is making progress despite others who believe it faces a decline. He also believes that it has found a special status that will not fade away easily from the hearts of people around the world.

He added that over ninety films were entered in this year’s Fajr Film Festival and this is an increase of 20 films over the previous edition.
“‘Mizak’ is a film made in a special style and reflects the mindset of the director. It is rooted in the memories of the filmmaker of the northern region of the country. Loves, shortcomings and concerns of the people for this region are reflected in this movie,” Kowsari said in a review session held after the film screening at the Felestin Cinema Hall on Monday.
“The movie is the continuation of Iran’s modern cinema formed after the Islamic Revolution. It has a humanitarian aspect and it is also attractive for non-Iranian nations. I can sincerely back this film and support it fully,” he added.
Director Hosseinali Fallah Layalestani also said that he felt this story must be depicted and narrated in the natural green environment of the north.
“The film has both spiritual and symbolic aspects and I could not separate these two from one another. I also did not like the dialect of the northern region, which tended to make the viewers uncomfortable with the entire story, so I gave the actors a free reign in making use of dialect to the extent that they could,” he stated.
Actor Mohammadreza Forutan, also present at the session continued, “When the role of a rural man was proposed to me, I felt I could experience it as well. I had the experience previously but this role was somehow different.
“I always defer to my heart in choosing a role. The deep humanitarian concept of the movie, its simplicity and the intimacy of the character was fascinating for me,” he noted.
Actor Alireza Khamseh was next who said, “I enjoyed this different experience. The team was good and I found many good friends. I think Iran’s cinema is taking off, so let these new events happen in this cinema and let us support these cultural movements.”
Cinematographer Turaj Mansuri talked about the length of the filming and said, “Working with this team was a sweet experience for me. We sometimes practiced for four hours to film a scene of four minutes.”
“Mizak” is an entry to the international section of the 27th Fajr International Film Festival.
Photo: Director Hossein Fallah Layalestani attends a review session for “My Child” on February 2, 2009 after its screening in the 27th Fajr International Film Festival.