About the Event
The White Balloon
Directed by Jafar Panahi
(Iran, 1995, 85 mins.)
Friday, February 3 | 7:00 PM
We begin our portion of the 30th Festival of Films from Iran with a spotlight on the work and the serious plight of director Jafar Panahi. The White Balloon, written by Panahi’s mentor Abbas Kiarostami, tells the “the adventures of a seven-year-old girl and her older brother in the streets of Tehran during the 85 minutes that elapse just before the celebration of the Iranian New Year. After convincing her mother she needs another goldfish for the celebration, the girl sets off to buy one, but twice en route to the store loses the banknote she’s been given; most of the remainder of the film is devoted to her efforts to get the money back. If the plot sounds slender, the movie is both gripping and charming, with well-sketched characters and expert storytelling—and Panahi’s efforts to redefine our sense of time along the way are remarkable. A masterpiece, one that grows in impact and subtlety over repeated viewings” – Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Discounted parking at Founder’s Court. $5 flat rate, credit card required.
