Pouring Water on Troubled Oil - A documentary by Nariman Massoumi at The Full Moon & Attic Bar

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"Poignant documentary short overlaying archival footage with Dylan Thomas’ uniquely lyrical reflections on Iran. Penned during the production of a botched 50s propaganda film for the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, it’s a powerful reminder of the depth of British colonial exploitation in the Middle East. Director Nariman Massoumi will be on hand to answer questions, with all proceeds going to Bristol Stop The War."

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A event held at The Full Moon & Attic Bar on Tuesday 30th September. The event starts at 19:00.

In 1951, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company set out to produce a Technicolour publicity film promoting its activities in Iran. Curiously, they hired Dylan Thomas, the world renowned Welsh poet and author of Under Milk Wood. Combining colonial archival photographs with Thomas's lyrical account (performed in voiceover by actor Michael Sheen), this documentary film follows the poet's journey through the country, capturing his haunting encounter with oil and colonialism, as a political upheaval for oil nationalisation unfolds. Thomas's job, he would later remark, was to “pour water on troubled oil”.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker Nariman Massoumi. All proceeds will go to Bristol Stop the War to help fund concessionary travel to National Palestine protests.

Entry requirements: 18+, any under 18s accompanied by 21+ adult 1:1 ratio — Read more — Read less