Pelan #54: Mrs. and Mr. Tump
- Director: Farhad Varahram
- Screening: May 20, 2023, 11 a.m.
- /
- North Vancouver City Library
- Run time: 42
Synopsis:
This is the story of Leon Tumpashian, a Russian immigrant who moved to Iran after the 1917 revolution. He was an experienced breeder of horses and greyhounds and studied civil engineering in Germany before returning to Iran. Later, he moved to Australia but found himself in Iraq, working as the head gamekeeper for King Faisal II for 11 years. After returning to Iran, he married Margaret Huffman, the secretary of the German embassy, and continued breeding horses and greyhounds until his death. The documentary also follows Huffman's journey, who stayed in Iran to train greyhounds until she was 90 before returning to Germany.
About the director:
Farhad Varahram, born in 1948 in Borujerd, Iran, is an Iranian documentary filmmaker celebrated for his exploration of the diverse ethnic and cultural tapestry of Iran. After graduating from the Academy of Film and Television and the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Tehran, Varahram initially worked as a cameraman before venturing into directing. Since then, he has crafted a prolific documentary filmmaking career spanning several decades.
Varahram's films serve as captivating windows into Iran's vibrant heritage and traditions. From his early works as a cameraman in the 1970s, capturing the traditional paper production in Gilan province in films like "Cuka," to his more recent projects such as "Taras" and "Yad-o yadegar" (Memories and Remembrances), he has showcased the rich tapestry of religious ceremonies, nomadic life, and traditional practices throughout the country.
Beyond his work as a filmmaker, Varahram has made significant contributions to ethnographic film. He serves as a Film Commissioner and lecturer in Ethnographic Film at the University of Tehran, where he holds the position of Assistant Professor. Additionally, Varahram's talent extends to photography, and has authored several monographs. His photographs have been exhibited in numerous exhibitions in Iran and Europe since 1978.