Frustrated parent Abbas Kiarostami interviews young Iranian boys about problems encountered when completing difficult homework requiring intensive collaboration with their parents. Preceded by two early educational shorts (So Can I and Two Solutions for One Problem).
HOMEWORK:
Kiarostami’s documentary feature about education was inspired by the director’s own difficulties assisting his son with homework that required a great deal of parental participation. The filmmaker interviews a succession of first and second grade students about what they encounter at home when attempting to complete assignments with their parents. He discovers that many parents are illiterate and punish their children in retaliation for their own insecurities related to their lack of education.
So Can I:
The first of Kiarostami’s films made expressly for children was a lively experiment combining live action and animation, made in collaboration with animator Nafiseh Riahi. As two schoolboys (the children of Riahi and Kiarostami) watch animated views of animals’ actions—kangaroos jumping, fish swimming, etc.—one boy says, “I can, too,” and imitates the actions.
Two Solutions for One Problem:
A simple moral tale prefiguring WHERE IS THE FRIEND’S HOUSE? Two young schoolboys, Dara and Nader, are friends—until Dara returns Nader’s notebook torn, creating a tense situation that must be settled. The first solution for resolving the problem, retaliation, sets off an escalating battle that leads to physical injury. In the more sensible second solution, Dara realizes his offensive action and repairs the notebook, restoring peace and their friendship.
The Belcourt Theatre does not provide advisories about subject matter or potential triggering content, as sensitivities vary from person to person.
Beyond the synopses, trailers and review links on our website, other sources of information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media and IMDb, as well as through general internet searches.
Visit the Official Website