Terrestrial Verses

Terrestrial Verses 2023

7.40

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.

2023

Until Tomorrow

Until Tomorrow 2022

6.20

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.

2022

Higher than Acidic Clouds

Higher than Acidic Clouds 2024

1

After the of premiere of his film Terrestrial Verses (co-directed by Alireza Khatami) in Cannes, Ali Asgari was banned from traveling by the Iranian authorities. But filmmakers like Asgari are not easily deterred from practicing their art, despite unceasing repressive government interference.

2024

Gaze

Gaze 2017

7.60

On her way back from work, a woman witnesses something happening in the bus. She must decide if she will reveal it or not.

2017

The Baby

The Baby 2014

5.70

Narges and her friend have just a few hours to find someone to take care of her baby.

2014