Zagros

Capturing the daily life of the Bakthiaris in the mountains of Western Iran, directors Ariane Lorrain and Shahab Mihandoust explore the disappearing cultural practice of natural yarn dyeing and carpet weaving. With respect and affection for these beautiful characters, the filmmakers focus on long quiet moments that often turn into lush visual poetry, as vibrant and mystical as the stunning colours that emerge from the dyeing vats. Far from idealizing the very tedious labour that is losing the battle to cheap manufactured wares, their steady voices reflect on the difficulties and the joys of the meditative and determined movements that brings these works of art to life.