Half Moon
Written and Directed by Bahman Ghobadi (107 minutes)
Friday, May 16th, 6:30 PM
Nomad Theater
(1410 Quince Ave, North Boulder)
[map]
Summary
A requiem for an iconic Kurdish musician in the twilight of his life. Despite his waning health, Mamo (Ismail Ghaffari) must lead a dozen of his sons to Iraq for a concert – "a cry of freedom" – to celebrate the fall of Saddam Hussein and the end of his repression of Kurdish music.
Reviews
Ghobadi's film is overflowing with beautifully lit, overwhelmingly evocative images...the effect is heart-stopping. Rarely has gritty naturalism and visual poetry been married so stirringly as in "Half Moon".— Dimitri Eipides, Toronto International Film Festival
In many ways, "Half Moon" is a mystical reflection on the fragility of Kurdish tradition, as cell phones and computers replace direct contact, and projected international concerts preclude informal musical riffs. Mamo's sons, all accomplished musicians, have other callings, seldom driven by their muses. Kurdish music resonates only in lost cities, beyond the grave — and in the movies.— Ronnie Scheib, Variety
Fateful and funny, haunting and magical, "Half Moon" balances delicately between the harsh realities of its location and the mystical power of Mamo's visions....Inspired by Mozart's "Requiem" and commissioned by the New Crowned Hope festival in Vienna, "Half Moon" is an affecting contemplation of resilience in the face of tragedy. When a higher purpose beckons, death itself must take a back seat.— Jeannette Catsoulis, The New York Times