Doc on Iranian football legend Ali Parvin screened in Tehran

His fans called him Sultan Parvin.

A number of veteran athletes and cineastes attended the screening.

“Sultan” was directed by Majid Tavakkoli and produced by actor Mohammadreza Sharifinia.

The 38-minute doc features interviews with family members and fans of the retired player and coach.

“In earlier times, footballers from a team like Persepolis never dared to approach the coach when they lost a game or it ended in a draw. But now they first lose the game and then pick up the microphone and congratulate the winning team,” Parvin says in part of an interview in the documentary.

Veteran referee Mohammad Fanaii and football analyst Hamidreza Sadr gave short speeches in which they described their memories of Ali Parvin.

Afterwards, the doc was screened for the participants followed by a short speech delivered by Sharifinia.

Film critic Amir Purya discussed Parvin’s character and his victories as a coach.

Ali Parvin next appeared on the stage to a loud round of applause and began by expressing his gratitude to all the individuals who have supported him throughout his life, including his family and his elder brother Mahmud.

“When I saw the movie I was ashamed of all the other veterans of sports and cinema. I was at first not willing to consent that a doc be made, but my daughter insisted that I agree to it. People have always shown their compassion and I have always been thankful for that,” he stated.

Photo: Persepolis and Iranian national team football legend Ali Parvin attended a screening of “Sultan” at Tehran’s Eyvan-e Shams Theater on October 18, 2010. (ISNA/Amir Kholusi)