'K' by Shoja Azari (U.S.A./Morocco, 2002, 85 min, 35 mm)

Synopsis:

In this elegant adaptation of three Kafka stories, Azari takes the characters from the a monotonous sales bureau to a palatial mansion that transmutes into a tomblike fort, from desert sun to the shabby imperialism of a colonial outpost. Shot in stark black and white, the film evokes the unease and bewilderment that dogs Kafka's K, exploring humanity’s deepest anxieties and fears in facing the modern world.

Post-screening panel discussion with filmmaker Shoja Azari, executive producer Shirin Nashat, and actors Oz Phillips and Mohammed Ghaffari. 

Filmmaker’s Bio:

Shoja Azari was born in Shiraz, Iran in 1958 and has been living in the United States since 1983. In 1998, Azari wrote and directed The story of the Merchant and the Indian Parrot, a half an hour film, based on a parable by Rumi, the 13-century Iranian poet and mystic. He also wrote, directed and produced, his first feature film titled K, a trilogy based on three short stories written by Franz Kafka; The Married Couple (2000), In the Penal Colony (2001) and A Fratricide (2002). Azari has recently co-directed a multi-media performance titled Logic Of The Birds. Currently Azari is in postproduction with his experimental feature film Maria De Los Angeles (2003-2004) and completed production on his new project Windows, a film in 7 scenes.

Festivals and Awards:

• Venice International Film Festival, 2002
• Moscow International Film Festival, 2003
• IFP Los Angeles International Film Festival, 2003
• Thessaloniki International Film Festival, 2002
• Belgrade International Film Festival, 2002- 2003
• Gutek Poland International Film Festival

Reviews:

Three short films based on stories by Franz Kafka and made during 2000-2002 have been combined in K, and intriguing but hermetic cinema debut from Iranian-born multimedia artist Shoja Azari. Shot in B&W, with varying running times and employing the same actors in a variety of roles, the three episodes add up to an intriguing approach to difficult subject matter. Commercial possibilities are slight, but festivals could give the film exposure, which might result in cult status further down the track.
— David Stratton, Variety

Azari’s honest observation and interpretation of doomed souls are Kafka’s root of humanity alienation. K’s depiction of alienation and terror provides a unique interpretation of Kafka’s terror. K has achieved a very difficult philosophical interpretation of ideas by superior use of basic cinema at its best. No one can deny how unleashing of terror have had devastatingly impact on our community recently. K’s insight unleashes a personal, emotional lift into abyss of terror and alienation. Azari uniquely and successfully depicts and visualizes Kafka’s terror and alienation.
— John Dickie, Planet Magazine

Print Source:

Shoja Azari
463 Broome Street, #2, New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-226-0605
Fax: 212-226-4408
Email: shojaazari@aol.com