Blackboards

A landmark in Iranian cinema, Blackboards is a visually stunning and emotionally profound film set in the Kurdish area along the border of Iran and Iraq. Released in 2000, the movie was directed by Samira Makhmalbaf, one of Iran’s most acclaimed directors, and known for her deep and thoughtful cinematic explorations of humanity. Blackboards star talented actors Said Mohamadi, Behnaz Jafari, and Bahman Ghobadi.

Brimming with symbolism and powerful images, Blackboards tells the stories of two itinerant teachers, Reeboir (Said Mohamadi) and Said (Bahman Ghobadi), who roam the rough and rocky landscapes of Kurdistan. Each equipped with a large, rectangular blackboard strapped to their backs, these teachers eke out a living by offering lessons to anyone they encounter – from remote mountain villages to bands of nomadic Kurds on the run.

Reeboir finds himself embroiled in a group of boys who shoulder the dangerous responsibility of smuggling across the border. These young characters bring to light the harsh circumstances faced by children in this region – showing the desperation of their plight, their courage, and their will to survive against substantial odds. On the other hand, Said is taken in by a group of old men wandering in the mountains. The elderly exiles are on a determined quest to return to their native land after years of war-induced displacement, reflecting on their generation’s struggle and the futility of war.

Meanwhile, Halaleh (Behnaz Jafari), a Kurdish woman who dreams of a better life, becomes an integral part of Said's journey. She provides an insightful and moving perspective about the plight of women in this unforgiving landscape. Her interaction with Said raises thought-provoking questions about the role of education in a place where basic survival is a struggle.

Filmed against the backdrop of the rugged Iranian-Iraqi border, the film is stamped with director Samira Makhmalbaf's characteristic cinema verite style. The stark, arresting beauty of the mountains and the treacherous paths traversed by the characters are not just environments but integral to the narrative itself - reflecting the harsh yet resilient life of the characters. The blackboard, literal and metaphorical, is an emblem of knowledge and enlightenment but also becomes a tool for survival, defense, and communication in these extreme conditions.

The performances by Said Mohamadi, Behnaz Jafari, and Bahman Ghobadi are exceptionally realistic and moving. The cast delivers emotionally profound performances, capturing the rugged conditions, desperation, and the spirit of these Kurdish characters, starkly against a bleak yet beautiful landscape. The non-professional actors, the majority being displaced Kurds, add a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

The screenplay, written by Samira Makhmalbaf and Mohsen Makhmalbaf, doesn't shy away from showcasing the harrowing realities of the war-torn region, instead, it presents a deeply humane drama that effectively highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Their pen doesn't just craft a border narrative but also accentuates the role of language and knowledge beyond its traditional confines.

Blackboards engages the audience with its minimalist narrative and character-driven plot. It doesn't rely on Hollywood cliches or high-drama but uses realism and simple interactions to captivate the viewer's interest. The notion of teachers carrying their blackboards through such severe conditions presents a visual poeticism that stays with the viewers. There’s an unwavering note of optimism in this otherwise bleak narrative that resonates with the viewer.

Blackboards also scored big on the festival circuit. The film was honored with the Jury Prize at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival, ensuring Samira Makhmalbaf's position in the pantheon of meaningful cinema directors.

In summary, Blackboards is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human life within the harshness of a war-ridden environment. It is a film that transports audiences to a world rarely seen, an exploration of survival, humanity, and the power of knowledge against the backdrop of an unforgiving landscape. Its poetic, hard-hitting narrative continues to be a testament to the sheer power of cinema and storytelling.