ifilm exclusive chat with Derakhshandeh

Well-known for films on women’s rights and issues, noted Iran female director Pouran Derakhshandeh sits for an exclusive interview with ifilm.

The internationally appreciated helmer who is a social films director made her directorial debut in 1986 with ‘Relationship’.

Her ‘Hush! Girls Don't Scream’ (2013) received the Audience Choice Crystal Simorgh in 2013.

Derakhshandeh has made movies ‘Candle in the Wind’ (2003), Tempestuous Youth (2005) and ‘Persisting Dreams’ (2009) as well.

She is a member of the International Center of Films for Children and Young People, American Association of Women in Film, American Association of Independent Feature Project and the deputy head of the Iranian Cinema Directors Association. She has also served on the jury panel for various domestic and international film festivals.

Below is a rough translation of selected parts from the interview conducted by ifilm in Persian.

ifilm: Ms. Derakhshandeh, after making the film ‘Hush! Girls Don’t Scream’ in 2013, you had a hiatus till 2017 when directing ‘Under the Smoky Roof’. What would be the reason for that?

Derakhshandeh: Well, the fact of the matter is social issues in society that are less visible to few people--technically those issues below the radar--are my main concern. ‘Hush! Girls Don’t Scream’ was about one of such issues I wanted to look at from an angle; hoping I was successful to portray it in my film. These are sensitive matters and I want to take such issues on in my films in the best possible shape. I just feel that they cannot be easily overlooked and that explains why I had a halt for paying attention to details.

ifilm: Wouldn’t you think that you have chosen bitter concepts in your works where hope is less than bright.

Derakhshandeh: I don’t think like that since I have a calling as a director and that is why I try to shed more light on social issues in my awareness-raising efforts. While this is true I talk about social problems, I am more involved in raising public awareness of such issues so that people can prevent them from happening.

When you are a social films director feeling the urge for admonition, this means you are looking for an alternative. I am trying to make people as well as the authorities more sensitive to social issues. I am looking for an alternative, a solution, I am not after showing bitterness. Therefore, such films are generating hope, instead.

ifilm: You’re a filmmaker with a social conscience who features issues existing in society. How did the idea for ‘Under the Smoky Roof’ shape?

Derakhshandeh: Around two years back, I wanted to talk about a movie on “official divorce”, though I realized that society is some steps ahead. I realized that in the case of some couples an emotional divorce has occurred--a difficult phenomenon which ruins families. I never made films for myself and usually take an order from people. I love them.

ifilm: Thus far, you has bagged many awards from festivals and your films’ cast and crew have good prospects for being awarded in cinematic events like what happened in 35th Fajr Film Festival in Iran. I am just curious how much getting awarded would matter to Derakhshandeh?

Derakhshandeh: This might seem sort of like a motto, but those who watch my films and follow my works know that awards don’t matter to me though they are valuable. For me, not getting a prize, but people’s gratification is key. While this holds true for me, I become more than delighted when one of my cast and crew members gets a prize.

ifilm: You had the experience of working with late Iran actress Homa Rousta in ‘Little Bird of Happiness’. Let us know what you think of her.

Derakhshandeh: May the actress rest in peace. She was one of those being totally in love with cinema, theater and Television and acted her roles with love. I bear witness to all efforts she made to play the character of a teacher with a hearing impaired girl in my film.

ifilm: What are you doing these days?

Derakhshandeh: I am working on a new film this time focusing on boys’ issues and mental concerns at various age brackets. My film ‘Under the Smoky Roof’ is set to open in Iran for Eid al-Fitr holiday.

AG/AG