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Celluloid Underground (12A)* ScreenTalk with Ehsan Khoshbakht in conversation with Rebecca Harrison

,Cinema 1
A black and white photograph of a group of men queuing up outside of an old movie theatre.

A captivating exploration of film culture's resilience in the face of oppression, masterfully crafted by Ehsan Khoshbakht, followed by a ScreenTalk with Ehsan Khoshbakht and Rebecca Harrison.

Through the lens of two passionate cinephiles, Khoshbakht and his late friend Ahmad Jurghanian, the film honours cinema as a potent form of resistance.

Set against a backdrop of state violence, the documentary intertwines the journeys of Khoshbakht and Ahmad, united in their mission to preserve 35mm film prints in Iran. Their dedication is palpable as they navigate the risks of imprisonment and torture to safeguard banned films hidden beneath Tehran's streets.

As the narrative unfolds, Khoshbakht's lyrical storytelling and evocative imagery immerse viewers in the sensory richness of cinema. Yet, amidst the romance lies a sobering acknowledgment of cinema's complex history, touching upon themes of exploitation and colonialism.

Celluloid Underground serves as a powerful reminder of cinema's enduring ability to illuminate and connect us all.

Tagged with: Cinema ScreenTalks

UK / Iran 2023 Dir Ehsan Khoshbakht 80 min

  • ‘Absorbing‘
    Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
  • ‘The film reassures us that the idea of cinema and its power to make us feel will remain.‘
    Rebecca Harrison, Sight & Sound

Biographies

Ehsan Khoshbakht (1980, Iran) is a London-based Iranian filmmaker, film curator and writer. He has directed short documentaries on subjects ranging from Duke Ellington in the Middle East to Expressionist architecture and cinema.

Rebecca Harrison is a film academic and critic based in the UK. Her work seeks to challenge oppressive systems of power and imagine more just and idealistic futures via teaching, curatorial practice, activism, research, and writing. 

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.