Iranian director Niki Karimi was outspoken about Iran in the press conference for her drama A Few Days Later... (Chand rooz ba'd) at the Rome Film Festival yesterday.
Tehran-born Karimi - whose drama centres on a designer facing a series of life choices - also talked about the current British political hot potato, whether women should wear a veil.
Karimi said: "The real problem isn't whether or not to wear it, but being able to choose."
Speaking about the state of Iran today, she added: "There are a lot of women who work and are independent in Iran. I wanted to present a cross-section of today’s society."
"In Iran, tradition and an openness towards modernity coexist, Shahrzad’s [Karimi's main protagonist] problem is precisely that of relating to the world around her.
"There are many types of loneliness like the one in the film, many women who have no rights or find it hard to hold a series of jobs.
"Yet, at the same time, there are women doctors, writers and lawyers working to create equal conditions. Iran is a patriarchal country full of contradictions and contrasts.
"I hope to exert some influence with my films and – why not? – change society."
The Rome festival has also announced that it will join the city in its day of mourning for the victims of last week's Metro accident. Between 9am and 5pm tomorrow all music will be turned off at the festival and the red carpet will be used as a general walkway to the cinemas.
For more details about the Rome Film Festival visit the official site
