Revolutionary cinema, Khomeini style

Later this month, filmmaker Michael Moore will host his second annual Traverse City Film Festival (TCFF). Moore says the festival celebrates movies that “did not get the notice or distribution they deserved.” But, based on the the line up, it looks more like an excuse to screen a bunch of Stanley Kubrick movies at $7 a pop than it does a chance ...

Later this month, filmmaker Michael Moore will host his second annual Traverse City Film Festival (TCFF). Moore says the festival celebrates movies that "did not get the notice or distribution they deserved." But, based on the the line up, it looks more like an excuse to screen a bunch of Stanley Kubrick movies at $7 a pop than it does a chance to celebrate independent cinema.

Later this month, filmmaker Michael Moore will host his second annual Traverse City Film Festival (TCFF). Moore says the festival celebrates movies that “did not get the notice or distribution they deserved.” But, based on the the line up, it looks more like an excuse to screen a bunch of Stanley Kubrick movies at $7 a pop than it does a chance to celebrate independent cinema.

If you want a look at the truly transformative potential of documentary film, keep your eye on “It Happens Sometimes,” a film that explores attitudes toward transvestites and transsexuals in Iran. Homosexual activity is punishable by death in Iran, but the film has been allowed to screen (albeit just once) thanks, ironically, to Ayatollah Khomeini.  

More from Foreign Policy

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping give a toast during a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping give a toast during a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21.

Can Russia Get Used to Being China’s Little Brother?

The power dynamic between Beijing and Moscow has switched dramatically.

Xi and Putin shake hands while carrying red folders.
Xi and Putin shake hands while carrying red folders.

Xi and Putin Have the Most Consequential Undeclared Alliance in the World

It’s become more important than Washington’s official alliances today.

Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

It’s a New Great Game. Again.

Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.

Kurdish military officers take part in a graduation ceremony in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, on Jan. 15.
Kurdish military officers take part in a graduation ceremony in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, on Jan. 15.

Iraqi Kurdistan’s House of Cards Is Collapsing

The region once seemed a bright spot in the disorder unleashed by U.S. regime change. Today, things look bleak.