Rhinoceroses Travel Alone; A Narrative of the World of Thought and Art of Seyed Ali Mirfattah

According to Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), Reza Abbasi, the director of this documentary, said: “This film is an opportunity to introduce one of the prominent and multidimensional figures of Iranian culture; Master Seyed Ali Mirfattah. He is not just a writer or a satirist; with his pen and colors, he conveys human and cultural experiences to the audience in a vivid and tangible way. Our effort was to portray this figure from the depth of his personality and life philosophy.”

He added: “During the making of this documentary, we had extensive conversations with Master Mirfattah and those who have been with him for years. What was most fascinating to me was the breadth of his vision and how he intertwines humor, literature, and painting in a way that not only brings a smile to the audience’s lips but also compels them to reflect on life and society. We tried to showcase these complexities in a visual narrative, without depriving the audience of the pleasure of watching the documentary.”

Abbasi, referring to the visual aspects of the film, said: “The choice of shots and colors was of special importance to us. Master Mirfattah’s paintings are narratives in themselves, and we tried to integrate this narrative with daily life and interview scenes. This allows the audience not only to become familiar with his works but also to feel as if they are walking alongside the master on his intellectual and artistic path.”

The director of ‘Rhinoceroses Travel Alone’ clarified: “In this film, I tried to show how a creative life can inspire future generations; how humor and art can coexist with moral and cultural teachings. For this reason, the interviews and narratives were designed to engage the viewer with the story and connect them with the depth of the master’s personality.”

Abbasi concluded by emphasizing the importance of making this documentary: “The making of ‘Rhinoceroses Travel Alone’ is, above all, a cultural and artistic necessity. Our society needs to become familiar with its living luminaries, with those who have dedicated their lives to knowledge, art, and culture. This documentary not only introduces the life of Master Mirfattah but also provides an opportunity to discuss cultural values, creativity, and the meaning of life. I hope that by watching this film, viewers will become familiar with the master’s works, his thoughts, and his ideas, and be inspired by him.”

It is worth noting that the third season of the documentary series ‘A’ine Omr’, produced by Sadra Sadoughi and directed by Reza Abbasi, is a production of the Literature and Art Group of Channel Four of IRIB, which depicts the life, academic and cultural journey, and research legacy of 26 prominent figures in Iranian humanities and art.

The ‘A’ine Omr’ documentary series airs on Thursdays at 7:00 PM on Channel Four of IRIB and is re-broadcast on Fridays around 12:30 PM.