The documentary “Seven Zagros Symphonies” explores the philosophy behind the seven musical Maqams of the oldest wind instrument, the Shamshal, in the lives of the people of Zagros. The story is presented through the monologue of an old man who has devoted 65 years of his life to playing the Shamshal, a Kurdish wind instrument. The film is character-driven, and the philosophy of the seven Maqams in his life is subtly implied. The number seven is considered sacred in various religions, and the film’s content touches upon this theme.
Runtime: 23:16
Category: Short Documentary
Director: Perwîz Rostemî
Parviz Rostami, born in 1977 in Oraman Takht, developed a keen interest in painting from a young age. During the Iran-Iraq war, he migrated from Oraman to Sarvabad town, where he continued his education. After high school, he studied painting at university and graduated in the same field. He ventured into filmmaking in 2001, creating his first film, “My Shoes.” In 2015, he received a first-class degree in directing from the Iranian Cinema Deputy Organization. He has successfully directed 18 short films, seven semi-feature films, and three TV series.
Director Statement
Among Parviz Rostami’s most significant works are The Melody of Stone, Scarecrows Also Die, Neighbors of the Sky, Winter Is Not Alone, Lasting Heritage, Patchwork, Prayer Guest, That Night, Spring Comes With You, Love, Cinema, Life, A Song For The River, A Table For The Joy Of Spirits, In The Path Of Talwar, and The Cemetery Of Mirrors. His participation in domestic and international festivals and the numerous awards he has won highlight his professional achievements.
Awards and Achievements:
- Best Film Award at the Italian Lucania Film Festival for The Scarecrows (2015)
- Best Film Award at Duhok International Film Festival for The Melody of Stone (2011)
- Greek Big Bang Best Director Award for Scarecrows Also Die at BigBang Festival (2020)
- Best Cinematography Award for Narges at the Fifth Iranian Film Festival in San Francisco (2020)
- Special Jury Award at YILMAZ GONAY FILM FESTIVAL (2015)
- Special Red Cross Award at the International Growth Festival for Scarecrows Also Die (2014)
- Best Documentary Film Award at Cheragh Soleimani Festival for Wa Zaban (2013)
- Best Research Award at the Savalan National Festival for Lasting Heritage (2018)
- Best Film Award at the National Roof Festival of Iran for The Melody of Stone (2012)
- Best Director Award at the National Resistance Festival for Scarecrows Also Die (2012)
- Best Voice Award at the National Roof Festival of Iran for The Melody of Stone (2012)
- Best Director Award at the National Heritage Festival of Khuzestan for Pachal (2011)
- Special Jury Award at Tehran National Ritual Film Festival for Neighbors of the Sky (2013)
- Diploma of Honor at Roshd International Film Festival for Scarecrows Also Die (2014)
- Honorary Diploma for Neighbors of the Sky at Tasnim National Short Film Festival (2013)
- Honorary Diploma for Best Research at Tehran Tasnim Festival for Neighbors of the Sky (2013)
- Best Documentary Film Award at Sanandaj Regional Film and Photo Festival for The Melody of Stone (2014)
- Nominated for Best Documentary at the Haghighat, Growth, and Growth Film Festival for the winter documentary (2010)
Festival Selections:
- Busan Festival in South Korea
- Karlovy Vary Festival in the Czech Republic
- Finnish Tampere Festival
- London Kurdish Film Festival
- Iranian American Film Festival
- Talanchai Festival in Mexico
- Winner of Best Short Kurdish Film at the 8th Duhok International Film Festival (2021)
- Official Selection of the 19th Image Film Festival – Tehran (2022)
- Official Selection of the 38th Tehran International Film Festival (TISFF – Oscars ® Qualifying)
- Official Selection of the 45th Norwegian Short Film Festival (Oscars ® Qualifying)
