Language/Iranian-persian/Culture/Lesson-17:-Persian-cinema-and-music

◀️ Lesson 16: Persian poetry and classical literature — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Lesson 18: Means of transportation ▶️

Iranian Persian → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Lesson 17: Persian cinema and music

Welcome to Lesson 17 of our "Complete 0 to A1 Iranian Persian Course"! Today, we're diving into the vibrant world of Persian cinema and music, two vital aspects of Iranian culture that reflect its history, values, and emotions.

The Importance of Persian Cinema and Music

Persian cinema and music are not just forms of entertainment; they are powerful mediums through which Iranians express their identity, tell their stories, and navigate the complexities of life. Understanding these art forms will enrich your appreciation of the Persian language and culture, allowing you to connect with the nuances of Iranian society.

In this lesson, we'll explore:

• The evolution of Persian cinema

• Notable filmmakers and their contributions

• The significance of music in Iranian culture

• Influential musicians and genres

• Practical exercises to help you engage with these topics

Now, let’s embark on this cultural journey!

Persian Cinema

A Brief History

Persian cinema has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The first Iranian film, "Abi and Rabi," was produced in 1930. Over the decades, Iranian cinema evolved through various phases, reflecting societal changes and artistic developments.

Key Milestones:

• 1930s: The inception of commercial cinema in Iran.

• 1960s-70s: The emergence of a new wave of filmmakers.

• Post-1979: The impact of the Islamic Revolution on film content and production.

Notable Figures

Let's look at some of the most influential filmmakers and actors in Persian cinema.

Iranian Persian	Pronunciation	English
عباس کیارستمی	Abâs Kiarostami	Abbas Kiarostami
جعفر پناهی	Jâfer Panâhi	Jafar Panahi
اصغر فرهادی	Asghar Farhadi	Asghar Farhadi
نیکی کریمی	Niki Karimi	Niki Karimi
لیلا حاتمی	Leila Hatami	Leila Hatami

Key Contributions:

• Abbas Kiarostami: Known for his poetic style and exploration of existential themes.

• Asghar Farhadi: Notable for his gripping narratives and international acclaim, including two Academy Awards.

Persian Music

The Role of Music in Iranian Culture

Music has always been an integral part of Iranian life, serving as a means of expression, celebration, and storytelling. Traditional Persian music is characterized by its unique instruments, scales, and rhythms.

Key Elements:

• Instruments: Santur, Setar, Tar, Daf, and Tombak.

• Genres: Classical, Folk, Pop, and Contemporary.

Influential Musicians

Here are some of the most celebrated musicians in Persian music history.

Iranian Persian	Pronunciation	English
محمدرضا شجریان	Mohammadrézâ Shajarian	Mohammad-Reza Shajarian
گوگوش	Googoosh	Googoosh
داریوش	Daryush	Dariush
همایون شجریان	Homâyoun Shajarian	Homayoun Shajarian
شهرام ناظری	Shahrâm Nâzari	Shahram Nazeri

Key Contributions:

• Mohammad-Reza Shajarian: A master of Persian classical music and a national treasure.

• Googoosh: A pop icon who has influenced generations with her music and style.

Social and Cultural Context

Understanding the social and cultural context of Persian cinema and music is essential. Both art forms often reflect the struggles, aspirations, and resilience of the Iranian people. They serve as a mirror to society, addressing issues such as love, identity, and social justice.

Exercises

Now, let’s put your knowledge to the test with some engaging exercises!

1. Vocabulary Matching:

Match the Persian terms with their English translations.

Persian	English
سینما	A. Music
موسیقی	B. Cinema
فیلم	C. Film
کارگردان	D. Director

2. Fill in the Blanks:

Complete the sentences with the correct words from the box below.

• Box: (شجریان, فیلم, موسیقی, فرهنگ)

• "محمدرضا _____ یکی از بزرگترین هنرمندان موسیقی ایران است."

• "سینما بخشی از _____ ایران است."

3. Short Answer:

What are two key contributions of Abbas Kiarostami to Persian cinema?

4. Discussion Question:

Why is music important in Iranian culture? Write a short paragraph explaining your thoughts.

5. Listening Exercise:

Listen to a piece of Persian music and describe the emotions it evokes. What instruments can you identify?

6. Research Assignment:

Choose a Persian film and write a brief summary, including its main themes and the director's background.

7. Role Play:

Imagine you are a film critic. Write a short review of a Persian film you have seen or researched.

8. Word Search:

Create a word search puzzle using vocabulary related to Persian cinema and music.

9. Translation Exercise:

Translate the following sentences into Persian:

• "I love Persian music."

• "What is your favorite Iranian film?"

10. Creative Writing:

Write a short story inspired by a theme commonly found in Persian cinema, such as love or sacrifice.

Solutions to Exercises:

1. A-B-C-D

2. "شجریان" and "فرهنگ"

3. Kiarostami is known for his poetic style and exploration of themes like memory and identity.

4. Music is crucial for expressing emotions, preserving culture, and bringing people together.

5. (Answers will vary based on the music listened to.)

6. (Answers will vary based on the film chosen.)

7. (Answers will vary based on the film reviewed.)

8. (Answers will vary based on the puzzle created.)

9. "من موسیقی ایرانی را دوست دارم." and "فیلم ایرانی مورد علاقه شما چیست؟"

10. (Answers will vary based on creativity.)

As we conclude this lesson, remember that Persian cinema and music are not just art forms; they are living expressions of a rich culture that continues to evolve. Embrace these elements, and let them inspire your understanding of the Persian language and its people.

Table of Contents - Iranian Persian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Unit 1: Basic greetings and introductions

• Lesson 1: Saying "Hello" and "Goodbye"
• Lesson 2: Introducing yourself and others

  ---

Unit 2: Sentence structure and basic verb conjugation

• Lesson 3: Word order in Persian sentences
• Lesson 4: Present tense conjugation of the verb "to be"
• Lesson 5: Present tense conjugation of regular verbs

  ---

Unit 3: Talking about daily routines

• Lesson 6: Talking about your daily routine
• Lesson 7: Talking about others' daily routines

  ---

Unit 4: Object pronouns and possessive pronouns

• Lesson 8: Direct object pronouns
• Lesson 9: Possessive pronouns

  ---

Unit 5: Persian culture and customs

• Lesson 10: Persian etiquette and hospitality
• Lesson 11: Persian holidays and celebrations

  ---

Unit 6: Food and drink

• Lesson 12: Ordering food and drink
• Lesson 13: Talking about food and drink

  ---

Unit 7: Past tense and regular verbs conjugation

• Lesson 14: Past tense of regular verbs
• Lesson 15: Word order in past tense sentences

  ---

Unit 8: Persian literature and arts

• Lesson 16: Persian poetry and classical literature
• Lesson 17: Persian cinema and music

  ---

Unit 9: Travel and transportation

• Lesson 18: Means of transportation
• Lesson 19: Travel preparations and bookings

  ---

Unit 10: Imperative mood, infinitives and complex sentences

• Lesson 20: Using the imperative mood
• Lesson 21: Using infinitives
• Lesson 22: Complex sentences and conjunctions

  ---

Unit 11: Persian history and geography

• Lesson 23: Persian civilization and ancient history
• Lesson 24: Modern history and contemporary issues

  ---

Unit 12: Leisure and entertainment

• Lesson 25: Sports and active recreation
• Lesson 26: Entertainment and leisure activities

Other Lessons

• Transportation
• The Iranian wedding
• Lesson 10: Persian etiquette and hospitality
• Haft sin
• New year
• Lesson 24: Modern history and contemporary issues
• Iranian calendar
• Castles
• Lesson 16: Persian poetry and classical literature
• Public holidays in Iran

◀️ Lesson 16: Persian poetry and classical literature — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Lesson 18: Means of transportation ▶️