MANUSCRIPTS DON’T BURN World Cinema

Based on a true story, this modern thriller tells the story of a failed effort by the Iranian government to murder almost two dozen journalists in 1995.  Told in a gripping fashion that artfully reveals itself over time, MANUSCRIPTS DON’T BURN describes the journey of two hired killers who, years later, are intimidating and interrogating witnesses of the failed mass murder on behalf of the suppressive regime. With a stark color palette and incredible performances, Rasoulof (and his anonymous cast and crew) deftly illustrate the impossibility of living under the constant threat of death and the determination of the human spirit that dares to speak truth to power. Shot on location in Iran without permission and secretly débuted earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, MANUSCRIPTS DON’T BURN also constitutes a blatant defiance of director Mohammad Rasoulof’s 20-year ban from filmmaking.