Iran doc to vie at Ukrainian filmfest

Iranian short documentary ‘We Are Not Venice’ has been selected to go on screen at the International Ethnographic film festival (OKO) in Ukraine.

Directed by Komeil Soheili, the doc is one of the three Iranian works that have joined the competition program of the first edition of the Ukrainian event.

‘We Are Not Venice’ investigates the cultural problems that tourism may cause.

It looks at all the changes that visitors can bring about to locals’ values and priorities.

The doc is about a village in Iran, where any type of hotel has been forbidden.

Local residents of the area believe that having hotel may modify their culture.

They prefer to host the tourists as guests in their homes to keep their tradition of hospitality lively.

However, the younger generation is open to all changes for the financial benefits.

The doc will also be screened at the Terres Travel Festival-Films and Creativity in Spain.

Mohammad Abdollahi’s ‘Sarevo’ and ‘Ki Ki’ directed by Saeed Aqaee are also in the competition lineup of the OKO.

The OKO provides a showcasing opportunity for ethnographic and anthropological documentary films.

It is a place where filmmakers and ethnographers are able to share ideas.

The 2020 edition of the OKO will be held on September 12-19.

AA/MG