Into the Jaws of the Ogre, the debut film by Iranian-French director Mahsa Karampour, premiered on May 14 at the Cannes Film Festival under the ACID section. The documentary, co-written with Maya Haffar, reflects on the lives of displaced siblings and their experiences across France and the U.S.
Exile and Exploration
Karampour's film offers a music-infused journey between Iran and the United States, featuring clandestine footage shot in Iran. The film's narrative is anchored in the siblings' discussions and dreams, highlighting their divergent paths. Karampour, now a French citizen, and her brother Siavash, on the brink of American citizenship, explore common ground from afar.
Life Beyond Borders
ACID general delegate Pauline Ginot described the film as a reflection on the experiences of Tehran's punk scene youth in exile. Siavash, once a member of The Yellow Dogs, an Iranian indie rock band featured in Bahman Ghobadi’s 2009 No One Knows About Persian Cats, experienced tragedy when three band members and an associate were killed in a 2013 murder-suicide.
The film was produced by Mathilde Raczymow of Les films du Bilboquet, with support from France’s CNC and Institut Français. Rediance manages international sales.
A Long Journey
Karampour began the project in the mid-2000s to maintain a connection to Iranian society. The film, shot over 18 years, started with her brother's emerging musical activity. After Siavash moved to the U.S., Karampour sought to capture the essence of Iranian underground music, though tragedy and personal loss intervened.
Despite challenges, Karampour persisted, dedicating years to writing and editing. The film, with its low-budget aesthetic, mirrors the underground music scene it portrays.
Symbolism and Resilience
Karampour's work balances personal and universal themes, using music as a unifying element. Ruins, a recurring motif, symbolize both destruction and fertility, reflecting Persian mythology and contemporary struggles.
The film includes timely references to the Iran-U.S. war, with scenes shot during a family reunion in France. Karampour concludes that their storytelling is an act of resistance, preserving the essence of Iranian culture.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/cannes-iran-film-acid-into-the-jaws-of-the-ogre-interview-1236592380/
