Jun 26 2011
This week photos from Iran (Week 26-2011)
Week 26-2011, Weekly Photos Selection, from IranMap-Flickr group
Archive for June, 2011
Jun 22 2011
Kerman Struggle with 15th Year of Drought
Kerman (Persian: کرمان) is the center of Kerman province (the second largest province in Iran). Kerman is located on a high margin of Kavir-e Lut (Lut Desert) in the central south of Iran. The city’s many districts are surrounded by mountains which bring variety to Kerman’s year round weather pattern, thus the northern part of the city is located in an arid desert area, while the highland of the southern part of the city enjoys a more moderate climate. The mean elevation of the city is about 1755 m above sea level.
The province of Kerman in Iran is now in its 15th year of drought. Kerman, considered one of the agricultural centers in Iran, has been facing one of the most difficult times for over a decade now. Drought is now the biggest problem for a province where about 1/3 of the orchards of the country are located.
Kerman province has about 550,000 hectares of agricultural fields and it hosts 23.5% of countries orchards. This includes pistachio orchards which bring about $1.5 Billion in exports revenue each year.
About 90% of the water in the province is allocated to agriculture 70% of which is said to be wasted due to use of inefficient traditional irrigation methods.
Photos by Hamid Sadeghi, Mehr News Agency
Jun 21 2011
“Nader and Simin” Wins Best Film Award at Sydney Festival
The Iranian family drama “Nader and Simin: A Separation” added one more international award to its record by grabbing the best film award at the Sydney Film Festival and taking home the $60,000 cash prize. Jury president, Chinese director Chen Kaige said director Asghar Farhadi’s film came closest to fitting the judging criteria for courageous, audacious and cutting-edge filmmaking.
Festival director Clare Stewart delivered a message on behalf of Farhadi, who was in Tehran on the closing day, the Persian service of ISNA reported on Sunday quoting Australian Associated Press (AAP). “I am on this side of the world and you are on the other,” his message said. “What could bring us together better than cinema. I would like to share this happiness with my fellow Iranians living there in Australia.”
A portrayal of the break-up of a marriage, “Nader and Simin: A Separation” was one of the 12 films including Cannes’ Palme d’Or winner “The Tree of Life” up for the prize. “Nader and Simin” won a Golden Bear for best film at the Berlin film festival and its cast ensemble received best actor and actress Silver Bears at the event.
A special mention was also given to the Egyptian film “Cairo 678″ directed by Mohamed Diab. The 12-day festival which began on June 8 also presented awards for the best documentaries and short films.
