Archive of films Stray Dogs / Sag-haye velgard

Iran
2004, 93 min

Section: Forum of Independents - Competition
Year: 2005

Two homeless Afghan children, a brother and a sister, spend their days on the streets of Kabul and nights with their mother in her prison cell. But one day the prison boss forbids this practice and throws them out. The desperate children decide to try and get caught while carrying out a robbery themselves, in order to get back inside. The story, inspired by the reality of post-war Afghanistan, was shot in real locations with a non-professional cast.

Synopsis

Two children – a brother and a sister – rescue a stray dog on the streets of Kabul in Afghanistan. That evening they visit the prison where their mother is a prisoner. Since her children have nowhere to live, they are permitted to stay with her at night. But the following morning, they are thrown out: prison is for criminals, not homeless children. Desperate to return, brother and sister embark upon a series of failed robberies. A fugitive tells them they can learn to steal from watching Hollywood movies. Alternatively, European cinema can teach them how to get caught. The story, inspired by the reality of post-war Afghanistan, was shot in real locations with a non-professional cast.

About the director

Marziyeh Meshkini (Teheran, 1969) studied cinema at Makhmalbaf’s film school from 1996 to 2001. She has been assistant director to both Mohsen and Samira Makhmalbaf. In 2000 her film Roozi khe zan shodam (The Day I Became A Woman) was screened at Venice and won the CinemAvvenire prize, as well as prizes at other film festivals around the world.

Contacts

GoodFellas
65 rue de Dunkerque, 75009, Paris
France
Tel: +33 143 132 164
E-mail: [email protected]
www: www.wildbunch.biz

Makhmalbaf Film House
, 14157, Tehran
Iran
Fax: +98 218 952 200
E-mail: [email protected]
www: www.makhbalbaf.com

About the film

Color, 35 mm

Section:	Forum of Independents - Competition

Director:	Marziyeh Meshkini
Screenplay:	Marziyeh Meshkini
Dir. of Photography:	Ebrahim Ghafouri
Music:	Mohammad Reza Darvishi
Editor:	Mastaneh Mohaser
Producer:	Mohsen Makhmalbaf
Production:	Makhmalbaf Film House
Cast:	Gol Ghoti, Zahed
Contact:	GoodFellas, Makhmalbaf Film House

Guests

Alain de la Mata

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