Synopse

Before the Pahlavis, who lost power with the fall of the Shah in 1979, another dynasty ruled Iran, that of the Qajars. With fine irony and beautifully composed pictures, the film tells of the approaching death of one of the last Qajars, Prince Ehtejab. He knows that he will soon die of TB and withdraws to the magnificent rooms of his winter palace. Here, he recalls the glorious days of the dynasty – and its end. He is visited by the ghosts of his father and grandfather, both of whom committed atrocities. The prince too: he is responsible for the death of his wife.

Regie

Prinz Ehtejab is the debut film of Bahman Farmanara (*1942). His film Smell of Camphor, Fragrance of Jasmine (2000) which he directed and also starred in was his biggest success to date. In 2013, he was a candidate in the Iranian presidential election.

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