Iranian feature film 47 to open RapidLion Film Festival, putting spotlight on patriarchal practices in Iran
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
With a new venue and happening within the academic corridors of the University of Johannesburg, it is all systems go for the RapidLion-The South African International Film Festival. Yesterday, February, 16, 2023, the organisers revealed the name of the first film to be watched by audiences at the festival.
Besides this first feature movie also on the opening night there will be a galore of documentaries that film lovers can look forward to at this festival which focuses mainly on films from the BRICS countries as well as Africa and its Diaspora.
Started by creative Eric Miyeni seven years ago, the festival has opened doors for filmmakers and their films, giving them access to the film market. Audiences also get to see films that normally are illusive to get hold of on this part of the world. The films featured at this festival, which since it launched at the Market Theatre seven years ago, is like a breath of fresh air on the local film market in South Africa in general, and Johannesburg in particular. The festival this year is moving into its new home, the University of Johannesburg, giving the festival an academic impetus.
As RapidLion – The South African International Film Festival kicks off its 8th edition, with the screening of the Iranian film, 47, audiences will definitely be looking forward to see what this time directors Alireza Ataallahetabrizi and Ahmad Otraghachi have cooked in this feature film, 47. The film tells the tale of three women who courageously confront patriarchy in Iran.
Ataallahetabrizi says the independent film offers a small window into the lives of Iranian women.
It tells the story of one woman’s domestic abuse experience and another’s gallant efforts to help her.
There are 47 episodic stories about three middle-aged women from different social classes, who unintentionally affect each other’s lives on the longest night of the year.
This chance encounter between strangers will have tremendous consequences, turning their lives upside down.
About the film’s themes of patriarchy, violence, and gender inequality, Ataallahetabrizi says “there are different types of domestic violence that occur, according to culture and social class.”
Ataallahetabrizi adds that the film is fearless in challenging patriarchy and encourages women and their families to tackle inequality “without fear of possible violence.”
“Naturally, Iranian society is slowly emerging from its traditional cocoon and is challenging these relationships. A society that is tired of being controlled will easily identify with ‘47’, which is a film that condemns this behaviour and its consequences,” says Ataallahetabrizi.
RapidLion will also screen a host of documentaries and short films from BRICS nations- namely, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa- as well as from other countries globally.
From South Africa, ‘The Radical’ tells the story of the world’s first openly gay imam. Filmmaker Richard Finn Gregory directs this award-winning documentary, which is an intimate portrait of Muhsin Hendricks, who is a former dress designer from Cape Town, who came out in 1996. The film chronicles the Islamic leader’s individual journey to queer acceptance and the struggle for LGBTQI+ rights across Africa, while also negotiating religious tensions.
Russian entry ‘Detached’ will also feature at RapidLion. This documentary highlights the impact of modernisation on the Chukchi people. It tells the story of Russia’s indigenous Chukchi who risk losing their roots as they embrace mainstream society.
‘1001 Days’ is a documentary by filmmakers Kethiwe Ngcobo and Chloe White. It takes an in-depth look at the experience of new mothers in a South African township and their unflinchingly intimate conversations with women who work to support them and their infants during the crucial formative years of a child.
About RapidLion – The South African International Film Festival
RapidLion was launched in 2015. It is the only film festival in the world, with a special focus on feature films from BRICS countries. Industry events at RapidLion include master classes and Q&As, with directors and producers of selected films.
About UJ Arts & Culture
UJ Arts & Culture is a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA). It produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes, aligned to UJ’s vision of being an international university of choice, anchored in Africa and dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni and the general public, to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists, drawn from a full spectrum of the arts.
In addition to UJ Arts & Culture, FADA offers programmes in eight creative disciplines, including art, design and architecture, as well as being home to the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture, and the Visual Identities in Art & Design Research Centre.
Venue: RapidLion Film Festival runs from 4-11 March 2023 at the UJ Arts Centre, University of Johannesburg Kingsway Campus, Corner of Kingsway Avenue and University Road, Auckland Park