Golshifteh Farahani (Pirates of the Caribbean, About Elly, Paterson) and Zar Amir-Ebrahami (Palme d’Or winner in for Holy Spider) — two of the most recognized and popular Iranian stars working Outside Iran Today – Co-authored adaptation of Azar Nafisi’s best-selling Iranian novel Reading Lolita in Tehran.
Two lead in this drama – from award-winning director Eran Riklis (Lemon Tree , The Syrian Bride, Dancing Arabs) by Marjorie David — and Mina Kavani (Red Rose, No Bears). WestEnd Films will begin selling the film at
Cannes .
Translated into languages around the world, set in an extremist world After the Iranian Revolution, Read Lolita in Tehran tells the autobiographical story of a bold and inspirational teacher who secretly rallied seven of her most loyal of schoolgirls read taboo Western classics, while their world closes around them like they know it. As the Islamic Republic came to power, morality cells launched random attacks in Tehran, and when fundamentalists took control of the universities, the women in Nafisi’s living room, whose rights were systematically disenfranchised, risked everything to find a safe place to lift their veils And speak their minds. Despite the grave danger they are in, they find hope when their stories intertwine with the novel they are reading. With Lolita , The Great Gatsby , Daisy Miller and Pride and Prejudice talk about their dreams and wonder if the only way to be free is to leave the home they still love .
“ Reading Lolita in Tehran, its insights into human relations and politics and global affairs Depicted, it struck a chord with people. It had a deep emotional resonance with me,” Riklis said. “I am fully aware of the potential complexities of telling such an intimate story of a woman in Iran. But I also know that it is A wonderful and exciting challenge, based on a common view of human struggle, no matter when and where. I know my approach to storytelling, one of respect, emotion, dignity, love and responsibility, always wins and overcomes Any obstacle. Azar’s world is now part of mine, and I firmly believe her story must be told, now more than ever.”
at Shot in Italy, now in post-production, Reading Lolita in Tehran is an Italian-Israeli co-production by United King Films, Topia Communications, Eran Riklis Productions, Minerva Pictures and Rosamont in association with RAI Cinema. Producers include Michael Sharfshtein, Marica Stocchi, Moshe Edery, Santo Versace, Gianluca Curti and Riklis.
“Eran Riklis brings a unique sensibility as he explores the complex lives of these women under political and personal siege,” said Maya Amsellem, managing director of WestEnd Films.
Reading Lolita in Tehran marks WestEnd’s second feature film starring Amir-Ebrahami. Announced earlier this year that the company is selling political thriller Untitled Judo , Amir Ebrahami will also be partnering with Israeli film Producer Co-directs the film Guy Nativ.
