30 Bird Productions

but you speak such good English

by Parisa Taghizadeh - Marjan Safinia, 30 Bird Productions

Documentary
25 mins.
1999

but you speak such good English is a half hour documentary, which explores different aspects of the first generation Iranian immigrant experience from the insider’s perspective. The film focuses on the younger generation, who has very few memories of their country, and yet feels an undeniable pull towards identifying themselves as Iranians. The film is a fast paced and above all very entertaining look at the issues of ethnicity and separation told from the point of view of four dynamic and funny characters, including the stand-up comic, Omid Djalili.

but you speak such good English is the first documentary of this kind to focus on the Iranian population in London. The Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979 resulted in approximately 2 million Iranians leaving the country, of which approximately 40,000 have settled in the UK. This film offers an important opportunity to show another side to a community whose people are only ever portrayed by the media in a one dimensional way.

The film uses the tool of comedy to convey the more serious aspects of the immigrant experience in an accessible and palatable way. With lyrical sequences of dream-like Super 8 and music coupled with often touching interview material, the film offers an eye-opening look at a very private community.

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