Skip to main content
Googoosh - Made of Fire film image; woman sings on green-lit stage

Googoosh - Made of Fire

Portraits

This event has passed

North American Premiere

Iranian pop icon Googoosh has moved countless hearts with her singing and remains beloved by her devoted fans all over the world. On stage since she was three years old, the superstar has lived through decades of political upheaval, including the Islamic Revolution which fettered the rights of women and banned her from performing. She has endured political persecution, 20 years of house arrest, exile, and made a career comeback. Blessed with a natural warmth and the rare ability to connect with people through her music, Googoosh is still on stage in her 70s, outspoken in her activism for her homeland, boldly speaking for the rights of women and young people.

Niloufar Taghizadeh’s enthralling documentary includes archival footage, rare performances, as well as interviews with Googoosh, who tells her story with characteristic wit and charm. This is a fascinating portrait of a troubled and turbulent country, conveyed through the life of an extraordinary woman.

 

Sept 30: Q&A with director Niloufar Taghizadeh

 

Presented by

Media Partner

       

Director
Featuring

Googoosh

Credits
Country of Origin

Germany

Year

2024

Language

In Farsi and English with English subtitles

Film Contact
Links
18+
94 min
Art, Music & Photography Documentary Human Rights & Social Justice Women Directors
Windcatcher Productions, ZDF/ARTE

Book Tickets

This event has passed.

Credits & Director

Executive Producer

Niloufar Taghizadeh

Producer

Niloufar Taghizadeh

Cinematography

James Rodney Stolz, Steffen Bohnert

Editor

Catharina Kleber

Niloufar Taghizadeh headshot; Googoosh - Made of Fire director

Niloufar Taghizadeh

Niloufar Taghizadeh was born in Iran and moved to Germany in 1996 to study directing at the Athanor Academy. She has worked on many international projects as a writer, director, and producer and has collaborated with German public TV channels ZDF and ARTE. In 2019, she founded her production company Windcatcher Productions. With her films, she contributes to reflecting on the social conditions in Iran and the world at large. She is especially interested in social justice issues like women’s and children’s rights and struggles against oppression. In 2024, Niloufar is bringing two documentary feature films to cinemas and international festivals: Nila’s Dream in the Garden of Eden and Googoosh – Made of Fire.

Filmography: Nila’s Dream in the Garden of Eden (2024)

 

Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre

The Shawshank Redemption

Dir. Frank Darabont
142 min

Frank Darabont's directorial debut is an engrossing, slow burn prison drama with stellar turns from Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. It's a firm fan favourite.

VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema

The Lion King

Dir. Roger Allers & Rob Minkof
88 min

With its beautifully drawn East African setting, its humour, pathos, and engaging characters, as well as its stirring songs, The Lion King stands as the pinnacle of traditional Disney family entertainment.

Image: © Disney, 1994

VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre

To Die For

Dir. Gus Van Sant
106 min

Buck Henry (The Graduate) wrote this acidic black comedy about a ruthless weather girl on the make (Nicole Kidman in her breakout role). A young Joaquin Phoenix is the dim teen she seduces on her way to achieving stardom.

VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre

Casino

Dir. Martin Scorsese
178 min

Revisiting the wise guy milieu for the third (but not the final) time, Scorsese tells the story of Ace Rothstein and Nicky Santoro (Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci), two New York hoodlums who become major players in the history of Las Vegas.

VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema

Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World

Dir. Sasha Waters
91 min

Sasha Waters' documentary takes us through the life of America's best-selling late twentieth century poet, a private woman who shared her innermost thoughts and made them indispensable.

VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre

Vivaldi and Me

Dir. Damiano Michieletto
111 min

Venice, 1716. Composer Antonio Vivaldi teaches at an orphanage for abandoned girls, and establishes a deep rapport with violinist Cecelia — but their collaboration is threatened by her impending arranged marriage.

VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema