Spring 2010
February 22 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Buddha Collapsed out of Shame

Afghanistan 2007, 81 minutes, drama
Director: Hana Makhmalbaf
Persian with English subtitles

Amidst the wreckage beneath the ruined statue of the Buddha, thousands of families struggle to survive. Baktay, a six-year-old Afghan girl, is challenged to go to school by her neighbour’s son who reads in front of their cave. Having found the money to buy a precious notebook, and taking her mother’s lipstick for a pencil, Baktay sets out. On her way, she is harassed by boys playing games that mimic the terrible violence they have witnessed. Will Baktay be able to escape these violent war games and reach the school? Five-year-old Nikbakht Noruz gives an incredible performance as Baktay, the little heroine.

Special Peace Award, Berlin Film Festival, 2008; Special Jury Prize, International Film Festival, Morocco, 2008.

SCFS Annual General Meeting follows the film.

LINKS

»  Review in The Guardian, by Philip French.
»  Interview with Hana Makhmalbaf, from Makhmalbaf Film House. [pdf]
»  More about the director, Hana Makhmalbaf.
»  Trailer on YouTube.

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