For my third film in this series, I’ve chosen Forough’s Farrokhzad acclaimed poetic docu-masterpiece – “The House is Black.” (Persian: خانه سیاه است). This short (1962) takes a look at the life and suffering in an Iranian leper colony. While originally ignored during its original release, the film is now considered a landmark in Iranian cinema and most film critics agree – the film was vital in paving the way for Iranian New Wave.

”The House is Black” is Forough Farrokhzad, one of the 20th century’s leading poets, first and only film. It is filled with powerful, stirring, lyrical images, all masterfully paired with Farrokhzad’s own poetic narration.

Farrokhzad’s aim is not to shock. It is rather to provide (as the film declares) “a vision of pain no caring human being should ignore.”

Please enjoy the cinematic revelation that is “The House is Black.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZAELs8NgjI