Half Moon

Half Moon is a critically acclaimed 2006 Kurdish film directed by the legendary Bahman Ghobadi. The film stars Ismail Ghaffari, Allah-Morad Rashtian, and Farzin Sabooni, who help bring this unique narrative to life.

In this engaging tale, we are introduced to the aging yet passionate Mamo, portrayed by Ismail Ghaffari, an esteemed Kurdish musician who lives in Iran. In the sunset of his life, he becomes determined to accomplish a long-held dream of his—to hold a concert in Kurdish Iraq. Mamo's character lends a personal and emotional depth to the movie, establishing the challenges and struggles faced by the Kurdish people, centered around the theme of music.

Mamo's journey begins when he finally gets permission after a long wait of seven months, symbolizing the socio-political struggles the Kurdish people face. With this permission to cross the border to Iraq, the tireless musician gathers his sons, assembles his band - all who are distinct characters in their own rights - and sets out on a journey fraught with danger, everyday magic, and the inherent beauty of human resolve.

One of the pivotal characters offered is Kako, portrayed by Allah-Morad Rashtian, who acts as Mamo’s faithful driver and friend. Kako is a captivating juxtaposition to Mamo, showcasing a different slice of the Kurdish society. He is charged with the responsibility of getting Mamo and his band safely cross the border, which adds an element of adventure to the film, but the greatest obstacle Mamo faces is something much deeper and personal.

A powerful premise of the story is Mamo's relentlessly strong determination to add a female voice to his otherwise all-male band. He believes this will complete his music. Hesho, portrayed by Hedye Tehrani, is the woman Mamo chooses for his choir. Hesho, living in exile with a group of other women, is not permitted to sing due to cultural restrictions, but Mamo is determined to challenge these conventions. The characters' conflicts in dealing with societal norms and regulations add a strain of turmoil into the narrative that hooks viewers.

The film subtly captures the stark contrast between the old and new age exemplified through Mamo, the traditional musician, and his modern, carefree sons. Despite the obstacles, Mamo's love for his art and his perseverance in practicing and promoting it is soul-stirring.

Half Moon is not just about the arduous journey undertaken by the ensemble. It is also an exploration of the struggles against conservative oppression, the inter-generational dynamics within a reinventive ethnic group, and the lavish tapestry of Kurdish culture, intricately wrapped in artistic subtext. Mamo reflects the anguish of a people divided between Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria, who are trying to keep their traditions alive despite socio-political upheavals.

Simultaneously, the film underscores various dichotomies—between freedom and repression, tradition and modernity, life and death—all intricately woven into the narrative. Director Bahman Ghobadi uses Half Moon as an anthropological study, beautifully portraying the culture and traditions of the Kurdish people while critically evaluating their circumstances.

Despite the serious backdrop, the film contains heartwarming moments of humor and lightness, mostly provided by the banter between Mamo's sons. The imagery and cinematography of Half Moon are visually striking, painting a vivid illustration of the characters' lives and their surroundings. The music, supervised by renowned musician Hossein Alizadeh, gives the film an ethereal quality, resonating with Mamo's quest to keep the Kurdish musical tradition alive.

Overall, Half Moon is a captivating blend of drama, comedy, and socio-political critique. It portrays the richness of Kurdish culture and the zeal of an artist in a changing world.