The “friend’s house” trailer, meticulously recreated for international screenings and exhibitions after the original film’s shooting location became inaccessible, is generally found in museum collections, film archives, and at specially curated film events. While the original film’s location remains a point of fascination and difficulty, this meticulously crafted replica allows audiences worldwide to experience a tangible connection to Abbas Kiarostami’s masterpiece.
The Enigmatic Charm of “Where Is the Friend’s House?”
Abbas Kiarostami’s 1987 film, “Where Is the Friend’s House?,” is a cinematic treasure, lauded for its simple yet profound narrative about childhood responsibility and unwavering empathy. The film’s power lies not just in its story, but also in its evocative portrayal of rural Iranian life. The village setting becomes a character in itself, a labyrinthine landscape where the young protagonist, Ahmad, embarks on his desperate quest. But finding the actual friend’s house—and the trailer representing it—is a challenge.
The original village of Koker, where the film was primarily shot, suffered devastation during the 1990 Manjil–Rudbar earthquake. While remnants of the village remain, accessing the precise location of the friend’s house featured in the film is difficult, if not impossible, due to ongoing rebuilding efforts and shifting landscapes. This geographical barrier has fueled the creation and exhibition of a meticulously recreated trailer, designed to bring the film’s essence to audiences worldwide.
The Recreation: A Movable Icon
The recreated trailer isn’t a haphazard imitation; it’s a painstakingly accurate representation of the house featured in the film. It’s often used in exhibitions and film festivals, offering viewers an immersive experience. Its portability allows it to travel to various locations globally, bringing the spirit of Kiarostami’s cinema to diverse audiences. Knowing where it might be, however, is key.
Tracking the Trailer: Exhibitions and Archives
Locating the “friend’s house” trailer requires diligent research and a keen eye on the international film scene. It’s less about having a permanent address and more about following its journey through exhibitions and festivals.
Museum Collections and Film Archives
Several prominent museums and film archives are known to have acquired or borrowed the trailer for temporary or long-term exhibitions. Institutions dedicated to Iranian cinema or world cinema, in general, are the most likely places to find it.
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Looking at International Film Archives: Check the collections of major international film archives such as the Cinémathèque Française, the British Film Institute (BFI), or the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. These institutions often showcase significant cinematic artifacts, including set pieces and props.
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Iranian Film Museums and Cultural Centers: Contact Iranian cultural centers and film museums both within Iran and internationally. These institutions might possess information about the trailer’s current location or upcoming exhibitions.
Film Festivals: A Regular Stop
Film festivals with a focus on Iranian cinema, independent film, or world cinema often feature the “friend’s house” trailer as part of special screenings or retrospectives.
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Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, and Berlin International Film Festival: Keep an eye on the programs of major film festivals. These events frequently host retrospectives and exhibitions that might include the trailer.
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Specialized Film Festivals: Festivals dedicated to Iranian cinema, such as the Iranian Film Festival Australia, or those focusing on independent or arthouse films, are more likely to showcase the trailer.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Friend’s House
Here are some frequently asked questions about the “friend’s house” and the efforts to preserve and share its legacy:
FAQ 1: Was the “friend’s house” a real house?
Yes, the house featured in the film was a real house located in the village of Koker, Iran. It was not a purpose-built set but rather an existing structure.
FAQ 2: What happened to the original house after the filming?
The village of Koker, including the house, was severely affected by the 1990 Manjil–Rudbar earthquake. The fate of the specific house is not widely documented, but it’s unlikely to be in its original condition, if it still exists at all.
FAQ 3: Why was a trailer recreated?
The trailer was recreated to provide audiences with a tangible connection to the film, especially since the original location is difficult to access and may have been altered. It serves as a symbolic representation of the film’s themes and the world it depicts.
FAQ 4: Who created the trailer replica?
Information about the exact creators of the trailer replica is often not widely publicized, but it typically involves skilled artisans and filmmakers who understand the visual language and aesthetics of Kiarostami’s film.
FAQ 5: Is the trailer an exact replica?
While great effort is put into making the trailer as accurate as possible, it’s crucial to remember it is a recreation. Minor variations may exist due to the passage of time, availability of materials, and the limitations of recreating a specific moment in time. The aim is to capture the essence and atmosphere of the original.
FAQ 6: How is the trailer transported and maintained?
Transporting the trailer involves specialized logistics and careful handling to prevent damage. Maintaining the trailer requires regular cleaning, repairs, and preservation efforts to ensure its longevity and continued accessibility. The specifics depend on the institution or organization responsible for its care.
FAQ 7: Does Kiarostami have any involvement in the trailer’s creation?
Abbas Kiarostami passed away in 2016. While he may not have been directly involved in the physical recreation of the trailer, his vision and artistic principles would have been carefully considered during its creation. It’s made in the spirit of his work.
FAQ 8: How can I find out about upcoming exhibitions featuring the trailer?
- Monitor Film Festival Websites: Regularly check the websites of international film festivals, especially those focused on Iranian cinema or arthouse films.
- Follow Museum and Archive Websites: Subscribe to newsletters or follow social media accounts of major film archives and museums that are likely to exhibit the trailer.
- Search Online Databases: Use online databases and search engines dedicated to film events and exhibitions, such as IMDb or Eventbrite, using keywords like “Kiarostami,” “Where Is the Friend’s House,” and “trailer exhibition.”
FAQ 9: Is there any documentation about the recreation process?
Finding detailed documentation about the recreation process can be challenging. Some museums or archives that exhibit the trailer might offer behind-the-scenes information in their exhibition catalogs or online resources. Contacting these institutions directly may yield further details.
FAQ 10: What is the significance of the trailer’s appearance at a film festival or museum?
Its presence signifies the film’s enduring importance and its continuing relevance in the world of cinema. It allows audiences to engage with the film on a deeper level and appreciate Kiarostami’s artistry. It underscores the preservation of film history and cultural heritage.
FAQ 11: What are some of the thematic elements represented by the trailer?
The trailer embodies themes of childhood innocence, responsibility, empathy, and the power of human connection. Its humble appearance contrasts with the profound message of the film, highlighting the beauty and significance of everyday life.
FAQ 12: Will the trailer eventually have a permanent home?
While a permanent home for the trailer would ensure its long-term preservation and accessibility, its mobile nature allows it to reach a wider audience. Whether it will eventually be permanently housed in a museum or archive remains to be seen. For now, tracking its journey is part of its story.