This Iranian film would prove to be the most charming of all the films I watched. There was no blood filled scenes anywhere. It is completely translatable into the American experience. The human emotion that pervades this film is common experience regardless the alien patriarchial authoritarianism of it's community leader called affectionately 'The Captain.'
This community of Muslim Iranians (I am not sure there is any other religion beside Muslim in Iran, but, I am taking no chances.) that numbers somewhat around 75 members literally lives on an abandoned oil tanker. The 'boat' ran aground and was abandoned by the company that owned it only to have it coveted later by a metal salvage company which brings the turning point to the community.
I simply loved this film. It has profound implications in bridging the void of cultures as it exists today. As is true with many of the films screened during this festival, reading is fundamental. The subtitles would also serve any hearing impared that came to view these screenings. A service not found in film theaters either. Think about it.
Iron Island has an intriguing plot of community and resourcefulness, loyality and descency, pride and commitment. Not wanting to give the 'story line' away or the ending, I will say this; the dimension of filmmaking is impressive.
Besides the main story and it's crisis there is a blending of charm and culture that arises in conflict among members of the community and the greater society. Within the primary story lies 'character plots.' One of those plots involves a Romeo and Juliet story line of star crossed lovers which brings extreme focus to the commitment of Muslim fathers to preserve their daughter's honor and hence community respect in maintaining their virgin status. Of course, no different than in the USA, the daughters could not care less about being a virgin, but, we can always honorably chalk that up to the desire to procreate. HORMONES.
Another really charming character plot is with a young boy affectionately known as 'Small Fish.' He seeks to define his life by saving small fish from being demised in places they grew but would not be able to get out of when fully grown. There is a 'hatch' within the oil tanker that houses a hatchery of small fish doomed to die as large fish with little resources within that pool to sustain them.
All these plots leave questions rather than answers at the end of this film. I found myself wanting to see the sequel to the fate of the community, the star crossed lovers and Small Fish. So much did I want my questions answered I sincerely believed a weekly half hour program would best serve my interest in this film.
