TEHRAN – “Hussein, Who Said No”, Iranian director Ahmadreza Darvish’s controversial drama on the uprising of Imam Hussein (AS) in 680 CE, was finally screened in Tehran on Tuesday with some minor modifications.
The film and two other features were selected to be screened during the 9th Ruyesh Religious Short Film Festival, which opened on Tuesday.
“Hussein, Who Said No”, which premiered at the 32nd Fajr International Film Festival, provoked a storm of criticism from the ulama (religious scholars) over the depiction of Hazrat Abbas (AS), the brother of Imam Hussein (AS).
However, the producers had previously obtained the necessary permission from the ulama for the depiction of Hazrat Abbas (AS) before shooting the movie.
According to the Shia faith, depiction of Prophet Muhammad (S) and his household (AS) in any artistic production are prohibited.
Darvish spent nine years completing the film, which was produced with the collaboration of a large cast and crew.
“Hussein, Who Said No” won five Crystal Simorghs in the categories of best film, best director, best composer, best cinematographer, and best costume and set designer at the 32nd Fajr International Film Festival that was held in Tehran in February 2104.
MA/YAW
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