Institute History
Description
A riveting, personal film by one of Iran’s most esteemed directors, A True Story marks a return by Abolfazl Jalili to his documentary origins. Spurred by a forceful idealism, the filmmaker explores a familiar subject in Iranian cinema—a young boy’s triumph over adversity. What sets A True Story apart, however, is Jalili’s unwavering altruism toward his young subject and willingness to turn an unflinching eye on his role in transforming the boy’s destiny.
As the film begins, Jalili wrestles with the devastating news that Samad, the star of his upcoming film, is afflicted with a disease that may cost him his leg. The filmmaker decides to abandon the project and dedicate his efforts to documenting and facilitating Samad’s struggle to obtain treatment. In addition to agreeing to finance the operation, the filmmaker calls upon personal favors and connections to procure a competent surgeon. Through its vérité-style reportage, the film sheds light on Samad’s turbulent life of poverty and familial neglect. As Jalili stalls the operation while he waits for commitments from film financiers and a camera-friendly physician, the cocky youngster questions the director’s seemingly selfless interest. Often funny and always provocative, A True Story is an astonishing portrait of the benevolent filmmaker, his tenacious subject, and the complex relationship between art and life.