Iranian Lepers

The House Is Black (1962)

Directed by Forough Farrokhzad this documentary looks at like in an Iranian leper colony. Film of lepers living their day to day life is combined with narration from religious texts and poetry.

One has to wonder if this film could be made in a modern Iran because to me the juxtaposition of the terrible lives of those in the film and the religious text implies an uncaring god at best. However you interpret the film it is certainly an interesting insight into a way of life we would rather not think about and really more should have been done to prevent. Certainly unique and at times challenging to watch this is one of the more interesting short films I have seen.

4/5