BLACKBOARDS (Takhté Siah) (2000) - ♦♦♦♦ 

Directed by - Samira Makhmalbaf

Written by - Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Samira Makhmalbaf, Zaheer Quareshi

Starring -Said Mohamadi, Behnaz Jafari, Bahman Ghobadi

"Blackboards is a drama about a helpless but hopeful educator who crosses the terrain of Iranian Kurdistan to promote literature and ends up with a group of children who work as drug smugglers. 

A touching film from the very talented Makhmalbaf, who was only twenty years of age when she made the film. The film is able to tie together dreamlike poetic imagery with a sense of realism, which is also achieved throught the performances of the cast, which is largely composed of non actors. 

The strong message of social awereness in Blackboards is also made universally appealing by its sensibility towards the genuine drama that lies at its core and its ability to make use of a poignant sense of humour."

Drama, Iran/Italy/Japan