Zaid, 15, lives near Kabul with his mother and sister. Between school, his friends and his hobbies, he seems to be flourishing in a city in ruins after the war. But when his mother tells him it’s time to get married, his ambitions crumble and the heavy secret of his freedom must come to an end.
A satirical take on the mundane absurdities of life in modern-day Iran, these nine vignettes illuminate the lighter side of enduring under authoritarian rule. Whether choosing a name for a newborn, graduating from grade school, getting a driver’s license, applying for a job, or seeking approval for a film script, if you live in Iran, you best come fluent in Orwellian discourse. Progressing along a rough timeline from birth to death, each story is shot in a static camera angle as a single petitioner negotiates with an authority figure hovering just outside of frame, who is practiced in the language of doublespeak.
A complex and sometimes combative exchange at an Iranian broadcaster over a certain Hollywood blockbuster disguises deeper ruptures, in Farnoosh Samadi’s wry and subtly provocative drama.
Student Fereshteh has to hide her illegitimate baby for one night from her parents who turn up for a surprise visit. Her friend Atefeh helps her. They embark on an odyssey through Tehran during which they must carefully weigh up who their allies are.
Student Fereshteh has to hide her illegitimate baby for one night from her parents who turn up for a surprise visit. Her friend Atefeh helps her. They embark on an odyssey through Tehran during which they must carefully weigh up who their allies are.
The story shows a different point of view of Iraq's invasion since it's narrated by self sacrificing fearless women who reach the army fortress in order to bring back weapons and ammunitions to stand against the enemy.
A school teacher from Tehran is preparing to attend a wedding in northern Iran. When her husband suddenly forbids her to go, she makes a choice that will place her on a painful path to atonement.
Maryam accidentally killed her husband Nasser and is sentenced to death. The only person who can save her is Mona, Nasser's daughter. All Mona has to do is appear on a TV show and forgive Maryam. But forgiveness proves difficult when they are forced to relive the past.
Rona and Hamed are two young Afghans who are in love with each other. Searching for a better life, they have decided to immigrate to Europe but they have to make a big decision to make it happen, a decision that relates to their religion and beliefs.
Sadaf Asgari is an Iranian actress. She is best known for her performances in 'Disappearance', 'Yalda, A Night for Forgiveness', and 'Squad of Girls'. She won the Short Film Special Jury Award for Acting at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival for her performance in Sonia K. Hadad's 'Exam'.