Half Moon

by Bahman Ghobadi, Iraq, 2006
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Renowned old musician Mamo has been granted permission to perform a concert in Iraqi Kurdistan. His faithful friend Kako will drive a school bus and help gather together Mamo's ten musical adult sons, scattered throughout Iranian Kurdistan.

Mamo is determined to make this trip across the majestic landscape despite all obstacles. The old Kurdish musician has waited some 35 years for the chance to perform freely again in Iraqi Kurdistan. Mamo even ignores his son's premonition that something awful awaits him before the next full moon.

Mamo is convinced that the essence of the upcoming performance is the celestial voice of a woman. He has chosen Hesho, who lives in a mountain retreat with 1334 other exiled female singers. Old Mamo must persuade reluctant Hesho to join them, because her self-confidence and voice have been weakened by oppression. Since women are forbidden to sing in front of men in public in Iran, Hesho must be carefully concealed in the bus.

The journey of Mamo and his musical group is not without difficulties. But persistent Mamo guides everyone toward adventure, emotion and magic ...

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Credits

Original Title
Half Moon
Title
Half Moon
Directed by
Bahman Ghobadi
Country
Iraq
Year
2006
Screenplay
Bahman Ghobadi
Film Editing
Hayedeh Safiyari
Soundtrack
Hossein Alizadeh
Cinematography
Nigel Bluck, Crighton Bone
Sound
Bahman Ardlan
Production Design
Mansooreh Yazdanjoo, Bahman Ghobadi
Production
Bahman Ghobadi
Runtime
107 min.
Language
Kurdisch, Farsi/d/f
Cast
Ismail Ghaffari (Mamo), Allah Morad Rashtiani (Kako, Bus Driver), Hedye Tehrani (Hesho, Singer), Hassan Poorshirazi (Border Policeman), Golshifteh Farahani (Niwemang)

Pro Material

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