Behesht ja-ye digari ast (2003)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Abdolrasoul Golbon

Writer:

Abdolrasoul Golbon (writer)

Release Date:

23 July 2004 (UK)

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Yar-Mohammad Damanipour
Fereshte Sarabandi
Jan-Mohammad Tajik

Also Known As:

Paradise Is Somewhere Else (International: English title)

Runtime:

80 min

Country:

Iran

Color:

Color

Company:

Cima Film International

There are 2 paradises. One of those who "have" and the other one for those who "don't have".

Apart from being in the competition section of the impressive Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, it was shown at Berlinale. On watching this film, I quickly realized that this Iranian film is an absolutely rare find. Firstly, it has not been widely distributed not even on film festival circuits. Secondly, it does not try to generate any sympathy for its protagonist. So judging these facts, "Paradise is somewhere else" is not what many viewers would call "A typically typical festival film". Abdol Rasoul Golbon has filmed the joyless life of an adolescent Iranian shepherd boy who learns through bitter experiences that the real paradise is where one is based. Paradise is where one can sense a longing for the familiarity. his is important for everyone to know as many leave the comfort of their home in order to foolishly seek material wealth outside. This film provides us all with an authentic life affirming lesson that the grass is always greener on the other side. From a humanistic perspective, I am sure that this film can build bridges between those who are desperate to achieve material wealth even at the cost of their lives and for those too who would like to prevent such desperate souls.