THE WHITE BALLOON

THE WHITE BALLOON (BADKONAKE SEFID), 1995
Iran | 35mm, Color, 85' | Persian
Director: Jafar Panahi
Cast: Aida Mohammadkhani, Mohsen Kafili, Fereshteh Sadre Orafaiy

Jafar Panahi’s film The White Balloon, which picked up awards at Cannes, tells the story of seven-year-old Razieh who wants to acquire a goldfish as a New Year’s present. Little Razieh loses the money her mother gives her then locates it only to realize that it’s in an unreachable spot. Through the eyes of the little girl the film conveys a foreign and complex slice of life in the streets of Iran. With screenplay written by Panahi’s mentor Abbas Kiarostami, the film proceeds in real time. A sweet and naïve “first film” with fine acting and a simple, universal story.