شبِ شیدایی
Directed by Nasser Saffarian • 2015 • Iran
This vibrant documentary takes us on a historical journey of Iranian music throughout the 20th century. In order to understand our recent past, however, the film casts its eye back even further; we learn that following the Arab conquest, Zoroastrian musicians placed great emphasis on the expression of emotion in their work. Following a 300 year silence, music gradually seeped its way back into the region, before blooming into the massive industry we know today. Informative and beautifully shot, this film features insight from such experts as poets Simin Behbahani and Ahmad Reza Ahmadi. Of course, Saffarian's retrospective documentary also showcases plenty of music from the 1900s through the early 2000s. Exuding pop and vintage appeal, as well as boasting visually striking and exclusive footage, 'Night of Infatuation' will take you on a nostalgic journey back in time.