A documentary film ‘Shadow Game’, co-directed by Leila Rostami-Shokouh and Behnam Tajmir-Riahi is getting ready for the 9th Cinema Verite Documentary Film Festival in December.
Rostami’s first professional work was shot in Tehran, Isfahan, Sistan-Baluchestan and Khorasan provinces during the past year, Honaronline reported.
“When I was seeking an appropriate subject for the film, my filmmaker friends suggested that an uncommon topic would be nice. So I decided to focus on women having bizarre careers,” she said.
From ropewalkers to fire women, she eventually decided to portray the life of Tayebeh Rahmati, also called Sayeh (meaning shadow in Persian), a young magician from Mashhad in Khorasan Razavi Province. Sayeh has 11 years of experience in magic. Hailing from a religious and traditional family, she faced opposition when they found out her interest in the art of magic.
By studying veteran magicians around the world, Sayeh made a mark in her career of mind tricks and illusions. Her eagerness and inspiration brought her invitations to different cities to perform her skills.
“Last year, Rahmati had a performance in Shahreza city in Isfahan Province. There I started filming her life,” said Rostami.
“People love magic, because they consider it phenomenal. Everyone can’t perform magical tricks.”
The documentary narrates the story of the first female magician in Iran, who selected her way of life to fulfill her ambitions; however, she is faced with many problems. “Sayeh has not been able to come out of her loneliness and troubles as she is shunned by her family, although she takes refuge in magic and mind tricks.”
The 9th Cinema Verite Documentary Film Festival is slated for December 13-19 at Tehran’s Felestin and Sepideh cinema halls.
