The House Is Black (1963)

The House Is Black (Khaneh siah ast)
Directed by Forugh Farrokhzad
Written by Forugh Farrokhzad
1963/Iran
Studio Golestan
First viewing/Netflix rental
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

[box] Narrator: I said, if I had wings of a dove I would fly away and be at rest. I would go far away and take refuge in the desert. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest. For I have seen misery and wickedness on Earth.[/box]

This short documentary about people in an Iranian leper colony melds life’s tragedy and God’s love.

Images of people and their daily activities are accompanied by Farrokhzad’s poetry and what I assume are verses from the Koran.  There is a continual stream of gratitude and praise of God accompanying people doing their best to get along.

This could have been just another in a series of 1963 downers provided by the List. Instead, I found it inspiring and thought-provoking.  It’s not an easy film to watch but is a worthwhile experience.

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