A cinema director in Iran has begun work on a film about the late Shah, Mohammed Reza, for the first time since the monarchy was overthrown in 1979.

The film -- called The Cabinet -- is directed by Kiumars Pur-Ahmad, and covers the life of the Shah from his boyhood in Switzerland to his death after the Islamic Revolution.

The lead role is played by Parviz Parastooi, who's said to be preparing himself by studying French, water-skiing and horse-riding.