MEN AT WORK

NARRATIVE, Iran, 2006, 75 minutes; in Farsi with English subtitles

Director/Writer: Mani Haghighi
Producer: Mohammad-Reza Takhtkeshian
Writer: Abbas Kiarostami
Editor: Mastaneh Mohajer

Returning to Tehran from a ski trip, four middle-aged male friends spot a strange object at the edge of a cliff. It might be an Easter Island-like stone statue or a fossilized tree, but in any case, its phallic monumentality presents a challenge and they become obsessed with literally overthrowing it. A hilarious comedy of machismo emerges as the men strategize, enlist passersby, and risk life and limb in this absurd project. Working from a story suggested by Abbas Kiarostami, Mani Haghighi, director of ABADAN, a High Falls favorite in 2004, weaves an exceptionally rich social canvas, filled with vibrant characters from many walks of Iranian life. In their ridiculous obstinacy and their confusion about the women in their lives, Haghighi’s quartet of friends could not be further from the current medieval, demonic depiction of Iranian society. Indeed, they seem like men we know well – husbands, brothers, fathers, lovers and friends. (Amy Taubin)

· 2006 Fajr International Film Festival: Best Screenplay
· 2006 Berlin Film Festival: Official Selection
· 2006 Tribeca Film Festival: Official Selection

Mastaneh Mohajer edited the Iranian films PICCOLI LADRI, JOY OF MADNESS and ABADAN (High Falls Film Festival 2004) and was a sound mixer and assistant editor on the award-winning Afghani film OSAMA (High Falls Film Festival 2003).