Docunight #50 [Toronto]: "Poets of Life"

Poets of Life
From “Karestan” documentary film series

Artistic Consultant Rakhshan Banietemad
Producer Mojtaba Mirtahmasb
Director: Shirin Barghnavard
Artistic Consultant: Rakhshan Banietemad
Producer: Mojtaba Mirtahmasb
2017 / 73 mins
Persian with English Subtitles

Shirin Parsi is a rice farmer, but not an ordinary one. After receiving a BA in French literature from the University of Paris, she returned to Iran and decided not to live in the megapolis capital, Tehran. Her husband had inherited land in Shanderman, a village near the Caspian Sea, so they moved there and took up rice farming. The Parsi family – including their two sons, who have stayed to farm with their parents – has instituted innovations in rice production. They promote sustainable farming and refrain from using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. In a region where more and more farmers are selling their farms at very cheap prices to developers, the Parsis produce 100% organic rice. Shirin and her family have chosen an exemplary lifestyle which is rich in indigenous values. In addition to rice farming, she spends time as a social activist and volunteers with several local NGOs. She is especially active in women’s groups where she focuses on raising awareness. This film follows Shirin preparing the rice paddies until the rice harvest, as well as showing her social activities, as she attempts to bring about social and environmental change.

Karestan documentary films series are the story of Iranian entrepreneurs (men and women) who, both in big and small terms, take risks and change their lives and those of others by creating innovative ideas and values. Their impact, although confined to a small scale and within a limited and local geography, will bring about an inspiring atmosphere for change.