No One Knows About Persian Cats (Bahman Ghobadi, 2009): Iran

Reviewed by Lisa Blondell.  Viewed at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood.

Bahman Ghobadi’s No One Knows About Persian Cats is a very unique film. It is a based on on a true story set in Iran where young musicians are trying to put a band together. The film’s script took a short two weeks to complete, while filming took nearly two weeks. Since it was such a short filming period, the film is shot in video rather than 35mm. I had the opportunity to listen to a Q and A session with the director himself and truly get a better understanding of the film and the culture it is based off. During the Q and A, one of the speakers cried while reflecting the film’s true meaning. This was the first time she saw the film on the big screen, which made her emotional. She stated, “love cannot be silenced.” That was the message that she hoped the film would portray and spread around the world. These kids went through many obstacles to simply put on a concert of doing what they loved. The making of the film and the story inside the film coincide quiet a bit. The production of the film did not have a permit to shoot, therefore most of the scenes are shot indoors and at private places. The director, Ghobadi, admitted to being emotionally unstable during the filming of No One Knows About Persian Cats, but it was the kids that inspired him through their power, courage, and love for music and gave Ghobadi the strength to make this wonderful film.

Underground music meets underground cinema. No One Knows About Persian Cats is a faux-documentary based on real events taken place in Iran. On the surface, this film is about two musicians looking to start a band and put on a concert for music lovers to watch and listen to. However, there is so much emotional attachment from each of the cast and crew.

Being in a theater full of Persians and having to have a translator during the Q and A was a little intimidating at first, but sitting through this film was an excellent decision. The film is dark, yet inspiring. My favorite scene was when the young girl decided lights were unnecessary, and she preferred the audience hold lit candles to light up the room instead. This scene was so powerful because it really demonstrated how real her character is. She believes the band doesn’t need any spotlights on them, just a simple candle and the people to listen to the raw sound of their music.

This film was taken from Iran to be seen all over the world. Ghobadi admitted it was “driven out of the country.” No One Knows About Persian Cats won the Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and I predict it will take home a least one award at this years AFI Fest. Ghobadi is currently working on two independent films, which is plans on continuing to work on films about his heritage and country. No One Knows About Persian Cats will be released on DVD in 4-5 months which will include a soundtrack of all the wonderful musicians who took part in this film.