Iranian Girl Director Almost Barred from Own Film at Venice


VENICE, Italy (Reuters) - The 14-year-old Iranian girl, Hana Makhmalbaf, whose first feature film debuted at the 60th Venice Film Festival Thursday, was almost barred from attending her own premiere. Under Italian law, minors cannot see movies which have no rating -- even if they directed them. But organizers of the Venice competition obtained last-minute permission to let Makhmalbaf, who comes from Iran's leading filmmaking family, hit the red carpet at the Lido's Palazzo del Cinema and watch the official screening.Makhmalbaf's 73-minute documentary "Joy of Madness" is one of 145 films screening at the Venice Film Festival. It is competing for the award for best debut film. continue

Venice International Film Festival