Madrid 1987 Movie English Subtitles Download For Movies
Irmgard Verzi
THE CITIES OF ISLAM: FEZ:
1987, 24 min., 2", Color, H,U.
This film goes further than its counterpart on Cairo in suggesting that Islamic cities are stuck in the Middle Ages, explaining that Fez houses a "medieval society living almost unchanged" since its founding in 808 AD. Though the film concentrates on Fez as a center of learning during the Middle Ages and emphasizes the exchange of ideas through traveling scholars, craftsmen, religious dignitaries and merchants; neither that exchange nor 43 years of French rule keep Fez from being described as a "living museum." Despite this major fault, the film is useful for its excellent footage of the architecture of the city (with special focus on the city's oldest mosque and school, founded by two women) and the detailed working of metal, leather and textiles. Also treats fairly accurately the importance of the family unit and women's roles. [AGF] Directed by John Dooley for Polonius Production.
THE CITIES OF ISLAM: ISTANBUL:
1988, 28 min., 2", Color, H,U.
The most comprehensive of the series of three, this film gives a useful historic overview for beginning students, describing the city's successive eras as Byzantium, Constantinople and finally Istanbul, and visiting monuments from each period. Includes visits to the Topkapi palace, Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque and Mosque of Suleiman with (at times overgeneralized) discussions of the architecture of mosques. Includes engaging street scenes illustrating the vitality of the city: a tea vendor serving a customer from his portable urn, men gathered in a shop to smoke hookahs, and wrestlers competing on Prince's Islands. Each of these three films would profit from pairing with The Islamic City. [AGF] Directed by John Dooley for Polonius Production.
CITIES OF SALT:
1992, 38 min., 2", Color, Arabic w/English subtitles and narration, H,U,G.
This fascinating profile of novelist Abd el-Rahman Munif and his series of five books, beginning with Cities of Salt, includes interviews with Munif, dramatizations and readings of his novels, and pre- and post-oil footage and photographs. Cities of Salt is the story of the destruction of a desert community by American oil men; successive books in the series follow the development of the surreal society left in its place. Munif's sharp criticism (he calls the oil industry "alien...unconnected to what surrounds it") misses neither the British who handed out oil concessions, the Americans who took them, nor the shortsighted Saudi rulers who allowed it all to happen. His critique provides a sharp contrast to the myth that oil has meant wealth and happiness for all Saudi Arabians. (Showing this title alongside ARAMCO AT FIFTY provides an opportunity for critical analysis for younger students.) Note: There is a two-minute space on the tape between parts I and II. [AGF] Directed by Christopher Spencer & Patrick Matthews. Produced by Tariq Ali.
A COMMON GROUND...WHERE THREE RELIGIONS COME TOGETHER:
1987, 21 min., 2", Color, H,U,G.
Using the holy city of Jerusalem as a stage, this presentation explores some of the commonalties and differences of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, three great religions that have their roots in Southwest Asia. Examining the sacred texts of each, the film compares without judgment central issues such as divine revelation, transcendence, profession of faith, the relationship of man to God, the significance of laws and teachings, and beliefs about the reign of God and final judgment. The film incorporates useful historical maps, religious architecture, and many scenes from the city of Jerusalem. This is a fair comparison of beliefs and practices that does not concentrate so much on the history of contact between the religions as on their individual structures and practices. [AGF] Produced by David Nalle for the Islamic Affairs Program of the Middle East Institute.
THE CONQUEST OF SPAIN: History's Turning Point series:
1995, 30 min., 2", Color, M,H.
Focuses on the decisions made by Tariq Ibn Ziyad and his Berber warriors, this program explores the Moors' conquest of Spain and traces the spread of Arab influence throughout the Iberian peninsula. While it gives a sense of the importance of the Iberian peninsula in the spread of Islam and Islamic culture, much of the video focuses primarily on battles. It tends to portray Visigoths (who controlled the region before 711), Arabs and Berbers as clever but ruthless warriors taking over a land of peaceful Christians (who are constantly shown praying and chanting in church!). Though it mentions that Muslims ruled parts of Spain for 700 years, there is little information regarding how they ruled and how their culture left a lasting imprint on Europe. A better choice is Spain, The Moorish Influence. [CNES] Directed by Greg Lanning. Produced by Transatlantic.
THE COW (Gav):
1969, 79 min., 2", B&W, Persian w/English subtitles, U,G.
This classic Iranian film revolves around the death of Hasan's cow C his identity, and symbol of wealth and status in the small village. Unable to accept the death of his cow, Hasan withdraws into a state of madness, becoming himself a cow. Within this deceptively simple plot lies rich insight into the web of village values and interrelationships. The struggle to maintain sanity and dignity in the face of subsistence poverty and constant threat from outside raiders is completely apolitical. Though the sound track is erratic and subtitles difficult to read, this film elicits strong emotional involvement with its complex portrait of a man who has lost his future. Winner of the International Film Critics Prize at the 1971 Venice Film Festival. [Images and Echoes] Directed by Darius Mehrjui.
JOURNAL FROM TEHRAN:
1987, 20 min., 2", Color, U,G.
This short documentary looks at Iran through the eyes of an exile returning after seven years abroad to a country under the enforcement of Islamic law and still fighting the Iran-Iraq war. Although leery of her reception, the filmmaker finds herself comfortable in familiar surroundings until she senses the constant threat of the Revolutionary Guards on the lookout for "improperly dressed women or punky males." The video is divided into four segments: introduction to Tehran; differences between northern and southern sections (Westernized vs. traditional cultural forces); celebration of Norooz (the Persian New Year); and religion and war. North Tehran, the former "European-style playground," is mainly deserted and South Tehran has become the bustling heart of the city, new seat of power and target of Iraqi missiles. Little details are telling: one scene shows women doffing chadors to reveal chic fashions at a mixed gathering to celebrate Norooz, the pre-Islamic spring festival of the new year which the government has declared un-Islamic. [EFB] Directed and produced by Perhseng Sadegh-Vaziri.
THE KEY:
1986, 76 min., 2", Color, Farsi dialogue w/English subtitles.
A description of this film is not yet available.
KHURASANI KURDISH DANCES:
n.d., 9 min., 2", Color, M,H,U.
The Khurasani Kurds are a community of nearly 1.7 million people deported from western Kurdistan to Khurasan by Persia during the 16th to 18th centuries. Their exclave now straddles the Iran-Turkmenistan-Afghanistan border regions, spilling into all three countries. Having been effectively cut off from other Kurds geographically and historically, they have retained costumes and customs long dead in other Kurdish communities. For instance, the costumes and dances show in this film have an Anatolian, even East European flavor. The dances have been choreographed and staged, though not as much as this film might lead a viewer to assume; Khurasani Kurdish dances are orderly affairs on their own. Costumes are authentic, despite their neat, elaborate layering and ornamentation. [MI] Produced by the Ministry of Arts and Culture of Iran.
PALESTINIAN COSTUMES AND EMBROIDERY, A PRECIOUS LEGACY:
1990, 35 min., 2", Color, M,H,U.
An updated and condensed version of the original (below) that provides more useful narration on when and how everyday and ceremonial clothing was worn, traces where patterns originated, and examines the cross-pollination of styles between Europe and the Middle East. Showcases late nineteenth and early twentieth century bridal and everyday wear in characteristic patterns and materials from five regions: Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jaffa, Northern Palestine/Syria, Majdal (coastal area), and Gaza and the southern deserts. An excellent overview with a fine eye for detail. [AGF] Produced by Farah & Hanan Munayyer.
PALESTINIAN NATIONAL COSTUMES: PRESERVING THE LEGACY:
1980s, 70 min., 2", Color, M,H,U.
A presentation of a unique collection of traditional Palestinian bridal and ceremonial costumes of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, modeled to the beat of Arabic music. The film includes over 30 complete costumes from all parts of Palestine. The first half, featuring models, is useful for seeing how the dresses and headdresses were worn together and the distinctive styles of each region; while the second half includes close-ups of various stitches, patterns and accessories. Useful, if spare narration on the characteristics and history of the clothing and jewelry. [AGF]
PALMS AND POMEGRANATES: TRADITIONAL DRESS OF SAUDI ARABIA:
1987, 12 min., 2", Color, M.
A marginally useful promotional piece, this video focuses only briefly on the clothing mentioned in the title. After an encyclopedia-like overview of Saudi Arabia's topography, geography, major cities and industries, the video stresses preservation efforts as applied to archaeological sites, wildlife, folk arts, dance, music, desert sports and traditional clothing. [AGF] Produced and directed by Christopher C. Hayes for the U.S. Committee for Saudi Arabian Cultural Heritage.
PEARLS ON THE OCEAN FLOOR
2007, 77 min., Color, English & Persian w/English subtitles
Robert Adanto's Pearls on the Ocean Floor is a thought-provoking documentary examining the lives of Iranian female artists living and working in and outside the Islamic Republic. Featuring interviews with art luminaries Shadi Ghadirian, Shirin Neshat, and Parastou Forouhar, the film captures the uncertainty of this momentous time in Iran's history.
THE PEDDLER:
1986, 95 min., 2", Color, Persian dialogue w/English subtitles.
A description of this film is not yet available.
PEOPLES OF ISLAM:
1982, 24 min., 2", Color, H,U.
This film complements The Gift of Islam with its discussion of the ways of life and societies of Muslims throughout the Middle East. Assuming some familiarity with the basic tenets of Islam, it focuses on the task of "fusing a new way of life with an enduring heritage." Shown are Muslims in Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Malaysia and Indonesia, representing tolerance of diversity and adaptability to change, together with the universality of the teachings of Islam. The multiformity of practices superimposed on the unity of belief is well documented in vignettes sampling the geographic panorama of the Islamic world: a Yoruba Qur'anic lesson in Lagos; a fete for a returning hajji in West Java, etc. Women's roles are subtly interwoven. This advocatory film does concentrate mainly on urban areas, and does not take up questions posed in the wake of Iran's experience; however, its value lies in its introduction of Muslims and the practice of Islam in a contemporary world. [EFB] Written and directed by Stuart Day.