Original video: www.pbs.org/video/passion-dri...
A conversation between Host of the show Everybody, Angela Williamson and Iranian-American director Bobak Kalhor discussing his documentary about Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, “ A Dying King: The Shah of Iran.”
Bobak Kalhor, the writer and director of "A Dying King: The Shah of Iran," was interviewed about his documentary, which sheds light on the lesser-known medical story of the Shah of Iran and its implications on historical and current US-Iran relations. The documentary, produced in 2018, explores how the Shah's medical treatment was mishandled, leading to a series of decisions that have had a long-lasting impact on diplomatic relations and sanctions. Kalhor discusses his journey of discovering the medical and political intricacies surrounding the Shah's death, his research process, and the broader historical context of Iran's political landscape.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction to Bobak Kalhor's documentary, "A Dying King: The Shah of Iran," highlighting the medical and political story of the Shah of Iran.
2:15 - Discussion on the secrecy and medical mismanagement that impacted U.S.-Iran relations and the Shah's health.
4:30 - The significance of telling the full story of the Shah's demise and its impact on historical and medical narratives.
6:45 - Exploration of the 1979 Revolution's untold stories and the consequential effects on Iran's history and global relations.
8:50 - The process and challenges of creating the documentary, including interviews with medical professionals and historians.
11:05 - A deep dive into Iran's 20th-century history, exploring pivotal moments from constitutional revolutions to theocracy.
13:30 - Reflections on personal history, the importance of understanding Iran's past, and its implications for current and future U.S.-Iran relations.
14:43 - Conclusion and invitation to follow Bobak Kalhor's work and upcoming projects on Iran's history.
Medical secrecy: Kalhor emphasizes the secrecy and mismanagement surrounding the Shah's medical treatment, suggesting it played a significant role in the unfolding of the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath.
Political implications: The interview delves into the political consequences of the decisions made during the Shah's illness, highlighting how these have influenced decades of sanctions and diplomatic relations between the US, Iran, and the broader international community.
Documentary's purpose: Kalhor explains that the documentary aims to unveil the full story behind the Shah's death and the medical decisions that led to it, filling a gap in the historical understanding of the event.
Research journey: The director outlines his extensive research process, which involved interviews with medical professionals, historians, and others who were directly involved or knowledgeable about the Shah's treatment and the political climate of the time.
Broader historical context: Kalhor's work also seeks to explore the broader history of Iran, particularly the events leading up to and following the 1979 Revolution. He discusses his next project, which will cover the history of Iran in the 20th century, aiming to provide insights into the complex political and social dynamics that have shaped the country's current situation.
Educational value: The interview highlights the educational importance of Kalhor's documentary, aiming to enlighten audiences about a pivotal moment in history that has had lasting effects on international relations.
Insights based on numbers:
The Shah of Iran's treatment involved a journey across several countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Bahamas, Mexico, New York, Texas, Panama, and back to Egypt, reflecting the complex interplay between medical needs and political constraints.
Kalhor's research spanned over 15 years and included interviews with 50-60 individuals, underscoring the depth of investigation required to uncover the full story behind the Shah's death and its implications.
Example exploratory questions:
What were the specific medical missteps in the Shah of Iran's treatment, and how did they contribute to the unfolding of the Iranian Revolution? (Enter 1 to ask)
How do the decisions made during the Shah's illness reflect broader themes of secrecy and political maneuvering in international relations? (Enter 2 to ask)
In what ways does Kalhor's documentary "A Dying King: The Shah of Iran" challenge or confirm previous understandings of the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath?
19 июн 2024
