The Silence Between Two Thoughts (2003)

Payami introduces his most recent work, which was praised at international film festivals but was so pointed in its criticism of Islamic extremism that the negative was seized by the government. Filmmaker and critic Jamsheed Akrami moderates the postscreening discussion. Sight & Sound calls The Silence Between Two Thoughts "as raw, pure and potent an example of the Iranian approach to cinema as you are likely to get."

In this narratively oblique film, an executioner in an unnamed country is ordered to carry out the sentence of a young woman for an undisclosed crime. When a draconian religious custom delays the execution, the executioner begins to question his beliefs and loyalty to the area's fundamentalist leader. (95 mins.)

Come early and join us for a free reception at 6 pm in the Wexner Center CafÈ. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and meet filmmakers Babak Payami and Jamsheed Akrami. The reception is cosponsored by Ohio State's Middle East Studies Center, Iranian Student Organization, and Iranian Students & Scholars Association.

support credits

Season support provided by the Rohauer Collection Foundation and the Corporate Annual Fund of the Wexner Center Foundation.

Contemporary films, international films, and visiting filmmakers presented with support from the Ohio Arts Council.