Bitter Dream / Khab-e talkh
Iran , 2004.

Directed by: Mohsen Amiryoussefi
Script: Mohsen Amiryoussefi
Producer: Mohsen Amiryoussefi, Rouhollah Baradari
Cinematography: Bayram Fazli
Editing: Mohsen Amiyoussefi
Music: Choosed, Mohammad Reza Delpak
Cast: Abbas Esfandiari, Delbar Ghasri, Safar Ali Safari, Yadollah Anvari

Format: 35mm
Running time: 87'

Synopsis
Rarely do we see a black comedy from Iran, but here it is! Mohsen Amiyoussefi’s debut film is most often described by critics as hilariously funny, smart and simple. The black part of the comedy is in the domain of the main character – Esfandiari, who for the past forty years has been in charge of bathing corpses before they are buried. The authority on his own turf with a rather difficult nature, he is determined to enjoy all the benefits that the honor of his job provides. But not forever! The death comes knocking on his door too, and in order for his funeral to comply with the rules, he has to ask forgiveness from his colleagues. The director, with hearty help from amateur actors, plays with traditional Iranian pessimism pushing various rituals of life and death to the point of absurd. He skillfully avoids usual politicizing and brings the spirit of inevitable comedian element into the vital Iranian cinematography.

Awards
The film was awarded Special mention and Camera d’Or at Cannes Film Festival 2004. It won the best feature film award at Thessaloniki International Film Festival 2004 and the audience received it with great enthusiasm.

Directors Biography
Mohsen Amiryoussefi was born in Abadan, Iran, in 1972. He changed the career of a mathematician for that of a film maker already in 1995, when he made his first short film 'The Fine'. Soon after other films followed 'Nader, the Son of the Sword' (1998), 'Father and Son' (1999), 'Stony Hands' (2000) and 'Caravan' (2002). 'Bitter Dream' is his first feature film.

Location and screening schedule: Cinema SC, Wednesday, October 19th at 20