User Reviews

By: M. Azar ( TV Broadcaster) A Survivor from Magadan l Directed by: Aref Mohammadi Mohammadi's documentary depicts the life of Dr Ata Safavi an Iranian activist who was arrested and exiled in Pahlavi era. Later on, he managed to run away and take refuge in Russia. To his dismay, he was arrested and accused of espionage by Soviet army. After a brief proceeding, he was convicted and sent to forced-labour camp in Magadan gold mines. To portray the torturous conditions of the prisoners in Magadan, the director depends on the artistic illustrations sketched by Alireza Bidari The film is 60 minutes during which Dr safavi recounts how the prisoners were deprived from the most basic necessities such as food and water. Although he narrates the events for this film when he is 80 years old, he is still talking clearly; punctuating properly. The sound has been recorded skilfully and some beautiful pieces of music have blended into the ambient effects. The transition from scene to scene is occurring smoothly; after a reasonable account of narration, the picture of an outdoor scene entertains the audience; allowing for some time for pondering. The outdoor scenes, filmed in Toronto, have been picked meticulously, with no sign in the frame, to make sure that they are not disturbing the time capsule in which the audience is immersed. Additionally, once in a while, Shahbazi's camera moves to capture a close-up image of Dr. hands or face to highlight the hardships that he has endured during the confinement period in Magadan. Overall, Mr. Mohammadi's film has been able to successfully imply the significance of hope and positive outlook in life.