Iran: Adrift in a Sea of Blood

A Video by Ron Hallis

In the context of the war with Iraq, this documentary looks at the manifestations of Islamic fundamentalism on Iran.

To many in the west, the Iranian struggle is irrational and tragic, even perverse. This film allows Iranian peasants, clergy, and government officials to explain their uncompromising adherence to Islam. They justify martyrdom and the sacrifice of youth in the name of God and politics as being part of the unavoidable defense of their religion and spiritual dignity.

IRAN: ADRIFT IN A SEA OF BLOOD presents the Iranian people's vision - one not readily seen in the west - clearly, precisely, and compellingly.

"Highly recommended for student and adult groups desiring a better understanding of modern Iran."—Library Journal

1987 Montreal Festival of New Cinema and Video

1986 Video Culture International Festival

27 minutes / color
Copyright Date: 1986
Sale: $225

Subject areas:
Iran, Islam, Middle East, Religion, Sociology

Related Titles:
Shirin Ebadi: In-depth introduction to Nobel Peace Prize winner in her Tehran office, interwoven with speeches at international conferences and a visit to the children's center she founded.

Shi'ism: Across Iran, Lebanon and Iraq a cross-section of major contemporary Shiite figures discuss and debate the history, theology and values of this minority branch of Islam.

Iran, Veiled Appearances: Depicts clashes in modern Iran between extreme fundamentalism and young people who are pushing for social change, filming with soldiers, religious leaders, students, artists and intellectuals.

Mokarrameh, Memories and Dreams: Mokarrameh made her first painting (a portrait of her cow) with mud and cow dung on a rock as a means to find consolation for its death. Now, her home overflows with vivid paintings, giving insight into the lives of Iranian women.

SOS in Tehran: What is on Iran's mind today? To find out the film goes inside an Iranian psychological telephone hotline, government sex education courses, and group psychotherapy sessions for Tehran's elite.

Women's Prison
Zinat, One Special Day: Zinat, the first woman from the Island of Qeshm in the south of Iran to remove the traditional face mask (Boregheh), is running for elected office.