A new dawn in Iranian cinema: Shahab Fotouhi’s “Boomerang”
A fresh perspective on relationships and society
In the bustling heart of Tehran, Shahab Fotouhi‘s latest film, Boomerang, offers a poignant exploration of human connections and societal dynamics. Premiering at the Venice Days, an independent sidebar to the Venice Film Festival, this tender drama delves into the complexities of old and new relationships, capturing the essence of life’s unpredictability.
The story unfolds
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tehran, Boomerang follows the intertwined lives of its characters. Sima, navigating the end of her marriage to Behzad, embarks on a journey to find a new home for herself and her daughter, Minoo. Meanwhile, Behzad reconnects with a former lover and embarks on a quest to find a rare species of owl outside the city. Amidst these adult struggles, teenage Minoo experiences the thrill of first love when she meets a boy named Keyvan.
“Minoo and Keyvan first make eye contact at a traffic light and quickly form a bond without exchanging a word. As they walk through the city and flirt, Boomerang captures a sense of lightness and fluidity reminiscent of the French New Wave,” says Fotouhi.
A blend of lightness and depth
Fotouhi masterfully balances the film’s narrative, infusing it with both light-hearted moments and profound reflections. Behzad’s interactions with other adults are fragmented and calculated, yet they retain a sweetness and humor that add depth to the story. Even intense conversations, like the one between Behzad and Sima in the dark, conclude on a lighter note, leaving a lingering taste of quince jam.
Produced by Luise Hauschild and Mariam Shatberashvili for New Matter Films, and co-produced by Rainy Pictures and Zohal Films, Boomerang places emotions at the forefront. Fotouhi emphasizes the importance of tones, gestures, and attitudes, reflecting the middle-class milieu often overlooked in Iranian cinema.
A critique of realism
Fotouhi challenges the traditional approach of Iranian cinema, which often adopts a form of realism aimed at representing lower classes under the guise of ‘social responsibility.’ He argues that this hierarchical approach contradicts the very essence of realism. Instead, Fotouhi embraces a more liberated form of storytelling, allowing for greater freedom in collaboration with his cast, which includes Arash Naimian, Yas Farkhondeh, Leili Rashidi, Ali Hanafian, and Shaghayegh Jodat.
“Every work of art contains its own politics, though these are not always overt or explicit. Politics influence even the most private and intimate aspects of our lives. Personal is political,” observes Fotouhi.
Finding their voices
Despite the socio-political challenges, Fotouhi’s characters gradually find their own voices. Interestingly, Behzad initiates but never finishes conversations with any female characters in the film, reflecting the current socio-political conditions in Iran and the prominent role women play in it. This dynamic is highlighted in the film’s “sandwich scene,” inspired by a similar one in Kiarostami’s The Report.
In this scene, a group of men from a different social class discuss the state of the economy, the dilemma of leaving the country or staying, and blame each other for their miseries. These interactions add a different flavor to the film, though they ultimately lead nowhere. It is the arrival of young girls that promises the beginning of a new era.
A new era in Iranian cinema
Boomerang is a testament to Fotouhi’s innovative approach to filmmaking. By focusing on the middle class and challenging traditional cinematic norms, he offers a fresh perspective on Iranian society. The film’s blend of lightness and depth, coupled with its nuanced portrayal of relationships, makes it a compelling watch for cinema enthusiasts.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Boomerang, you can watch the Boomerang trailer and explore more about the film.
Boomerang is not just a film; it’s a reflection of the evolving landscape of Iranian cinema. Through its intricate storytelling and rich character development, it invites viewers to ponder the complexities of human connections and the subtle interplay of personal and political realms.