In Iran, it’s not always easy to be an artist. It also isn’t the first time that Jalili has portrayed a creative young man in surroundings where the establishment cannot appreciate art or even condemns it. For his most recent film, Jalili was inspired by the life and work of the great Persian poet Hafez. At the age of 17, Hafez is a dedicated student who is just as interested in poetry as in his studies. He is asked to teach religion to Nabat, the future daughter-in-law of the Muftis. In adjacent rooms, without seeing each other, they discuss through a high open window faith and poetry. The two fall for each other at a distance when Nabat recites one of Hafez’ poems. Hafez is unable to restrain himself and glances at Nabat through the window. He is caught out, punished and banished. Nabat remains behind and becomes sick with yearning. A special journey starts for Hafez that takes him to seven places of residence in order to earn the favour of seven virgins there. With charming simplicity, Jalili film is a grand romantic story. In contemporary surroundings, Hafez journeys through a country of age-old traditions and the teachings of the Koran. Only a passing scooter and truck refer to the fact that the ‘once upon a time’ in this story refers to a not-very-distant past. (BT)
