Matinee

Series/Themes: Middle Eastern & South Asian Sidebar

Genre: Drama, International

Accessibility: Subtitles

Film Year: 2017

Locations: Chile

Film Length: 92 min.

Languages: Spanish

Subtitles: Subtitled

Director: Alireza Khatami.

Featuring: Juan Margallo, Tomás del Estal, Manuel Morón, Itziar Aizpuru, Julio Jung, Amparo Noguera.

After discovering the body of an unknown woman killed during protest, an elderly caretaker of a remote morgue embarks on a magical journey to give her a proper burial. Possessing a remarkable memory, he meets others struggling with loss along the way that assist in his efforts to complete the ritual before the militia returns. Grappling with the phenomena of death, the magical odyssey demonstrates how historical amnesia often leads to the repetition of violence. Providing a reflection on the politics of memory, Oblivion Verses emphasizes the necessity of remembering as an act of resistance. Discussion with writer-director Alireza Khatami and Pardis Minuchehr (UVA), moderated by Anne Garland Mahler (UVA)

Supported by the Department of Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures