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.
Clip
I don’t know. Somehow I do not find much beauty in a decision to leave children to rot from leprosy. The crucial element here is the information that their affliction is curable and that it is largely because of poverty that these people are in the colony. Without that information I probably would have agreed with you. Carving out a life with so little hope, smiling despite their horrors. It could have been pretty if it was not unnecessary.
No beauty in a decision to let children rot from leprosy. Beauty in the children themselves.
Thats true. They were delightful children