TEHRAN- Over a dozen of Iranian movies are on screen in different sections of the 7th edition of International Folklore Film Festival, which is currently underway at the Indian city of Kerala. 

“Dance of the wolf” by Behzad Yaghmouri, “Silent Victims” by Amir Hossein Saqafi, “Girls of the Wind” by Fereydoun Afi, “Pretty” by Mahtab Rezai, “The Woman” by Sahar Mahmoudi and “Mermaid” by Ghazaleh Razavi are among the films. 

The festival also screens “Dela” by Fatima Abahamzeh, “Lady of the City” by Maryam Bahrololumi, “Bone” by Goli Zarei and “Fallen Shadows at Sunset” co-directed by Hiva Amini and Mehdi Golnari. 

The world of folklore films and documentaries is limitless in its scope. It encompasses every aspect of human life, as we are all connected to the rich tapestry of folklore. From rural traditions to the roots of our culture, from the aesthetics of our heritage to the mythologies that shape our beliefs, folklore encompasses it all. It extends to the arts, handicrafts, and the natural way of life that has been passed down through generations.

Folklore is nourished by a strong and expansive oral tradition, as well as the traditions of handicrafts and the arts. These tributaries flow together to create a vast body of knowledge and art that finds its origin in the wonders of nature and the diverse resources it provides. For filmmakers delving into the world of folklore, their challenge lies in capturing and visualizing the essence of tradition, natural heritage, and culture. It is an endeavor that requires skill and creativity, as they strive to bring these intangible elements to life through the medium of film.

The 7th International Folklore Film Festival will come to an end on January 10. 

Photo: A scene from “Lady of the City” by Maryam Bahrololumi

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