Googoosh – Made of Fire!
Documentary | Duration: 94 minutes | Year of release: 2024
A film by Niloufar Taghizadeh
Production: Windcatcher Productions in co-production with ZDF and arte
An incomparable career as a shining star of Persian pop music and celebrated actress, then 20 years under house arrest – followed finally by an unexpected comeback to the stages of the world: “Googoosh – Made of Fire” tells the story of the tumultuous life of legendary Iranian singer and actress Googoosh, following all her ups and downs. The film is an homage to one of the pre-eminent artists of Iranian pop culture while also documenting the dramatic development of the country of Iran, its people and artists of the past decades.
Placed onto the stage by her father and equipped with her stage name Googoosh at three years of age, Faegheh Atashin quickly became the child star of Iran. Her unique singing style, mixing Persian poetry with blues, jazz, rock and disco brought her international fame in the 1970s. She performed in the USA, in Italy and in France before her career was abruptly brought to a standstill by the Islamic Revolution. The regime stripped countless artists of their livelihood and freedom, Googoosh was placed under house arrest for two decades. Incredible circumstances led to her return to the stage and a triumphant comeback. She still commands an enormous audience, millions of fans spread out over every continent and spanning all generations.
The German-Iranian director Niloufar Taghizadeh has created an intimate portrait of the celebrated icon and a complex look at the history and culture of Iran. Googoosh tells her astounding story herself – from wild beginnings in Iran’s pop scene to her unwavering fight against oppression in modern Iran.
The world premiere of “Googoosh – Made of Fire” will be on June 13th 2024 at Sheffield DocFest.
World Premiere: Sheffield DocFest (UK) on June 13th 2024
Theatrical release in Germany: Fall of 2024
International theatrical release: tba
Language: Farsi, English / Subtitles: English