Film Society Presents Young Iranian Filmmakers

Film Society
www.filmsocietyhf.org
Screening Address: 11338 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angles, CA 90025
818-667-8846

Special Guests: Mohamad Nazaarizadeh, P. K. Ziainia, Ayda Safaei, Sara Mashayekh and Eslam Anthony Shams

SYNOPSIS

A husband wants a son and a wife her sanity. When his cousin makes a risky offer, it just might help them both. An ordinary family will do unordinary things to try and have a normal life, in Iran, 2009.

P.K. ZIAINIA
Writer, Director, Editor

P.K. Ziainia is an Iranian-American filmmaker. "When I write, it's not to glorify the already exalted, but to tell stories about people in the margins." His most recent work, Roya, is set in the not too distant future of Iran. P.K. is currently finishing a Master's degree in film at Loyola Marymount University and working on two films, one of which is a feature length version of Roya.

ESLAM ANTHONY SHAMS
Morad

Eslam Shams was born in Iran and moved to the States at 18. Eslam decided to pursue his own dream instead of his father's and became an actor. Since then, he has performed theatre, on television, in film, and stand-up comedy around the world. Recently, Eslam appeared in the 2006 Academy Award winning Short Film "West Bank Story."

Sara Mashayekh was born in Tehran, Iran, and moved to California when she was 18. Sara started acting while attending Santa Monica College, UC Irvine, and South Coast Repertory. Since, she has been acting on stage and in film. " I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of Roya, such an amazing project."

THREE PEOPLE and THE MOTORCYCLIST
Two Short Films by Mohammad Nazarizadeh

"Three People " is based on a short story with the same name written by Reza Amirkhani. Adapted by writer and director Mohammad Nazarizadeh, "Three People" tells the story of three guys who want to buy some books in Enghelab Street where Tehran's main bookstores are located. On their way to buy books, Abbas and his two friends confront youngsters who illegally sell American movies and playing cards. It is revealed that the three people are handicapped veterans of the Iraq-Iran war when the young bookseller tries to put a deck of playing card in Abbas's German made prosthetic hand.

"The Motorcyclist" is the story of a young-poor-married motorcyclist who has plans for the money that
a passenger had forgotten and left on his bike.

Mohamad Nazarizadeh was raised in Tehran, Iran. After visiting many countries, he moved to Los Angeles in 2000 to pursue his dream, making films. Mohamad graduated from USC Film School in 2005. While in school, his unique vision was admired by many of his classmates and professors. His passion is to make films that mirror the issues in our society. He is currently based in Los Angeles, working as a professional filmmaker. For more info visit: www.arnifilm.com

Bistoon & Its Secrets
A film by: Katayoun Afrooz

Winner of Ziba Foundation Prize

In the western part of glorious Persia, there is a historical mountain called Bistoon. Some historical monuments from the ancient Persian civilization can be found there. This mountain has an astonishing carving called the 'Daruis' Inscriptions.' Ths inscription is one of the most important documents of the ancient world.

Los Angeles-based filmmaker Katayoun Afrooz undertook her formal education and training in Cinema in the United States.
Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Katayoun Afrooz has been working as a professional filmmaker, photographer and artist. She holds a Degree both in Cinema and TV production.
"Abyaneh, red village" is Katayoun's first short documentary. "Abyaneh, red village" premiered in 2007 at the Los Angeles international shorts film festival.

Katayoun's next documentary short film "Bistoon & Its Secrets" was shot entirely in Iran. "Bistoon & Its Secrets" premiered in October, 2007 at the New York International Film Festival (independent films on Iran) and was awarded with the Ziba Foundation prize.

Soul of the Reef is pure cinema. A visual and magnificent journey into the unknown world of the reef.