Nafiseh Zare

In Tehran, a perfectionist mother has planned the perfect engagement dinner party for her daughter. But when the cake is held up in the traffic of a political protest, her meticulous party begins to unravel. The film takes place entirely in the kitchen with the women, behind the scenes of the party, as their pleasantries and "tarofs" slowly crumble. Within this domestic microcosm, the power shifts begin to strangely echo those of the outside world.

15-year-old Valderama, so called by the townsfolk for his long curly hair, is trying to obtain the ID card he’s never been able to have. He has no documentation, no family, and no official identity. One day, after a fateful encounter, he is forced to hastily get out of town. Now he has to fight for survival in the big city, in Tehran, where he comes across others who live on the margins of society.

A woman travels to Tehran from a small town for a life-altering exchange, still unsure of her decision…

On a cold winter’s night in modern Tehran, a couple of young lovers run into a serious problem, and they have just a few hours to come up with a solution. They go from hospital to hospital in search for help, but none of the hospitals will admit the young woman and provide her with the medical attention she desperately requires. While they try hard to find a way to solve the problem, they have to hide what is happening from their parents. Moreover, their relationship is facing a crisis and will suffer dire consequences. Caught between conservative traditions and modern day desires, the couple must face their uncertain future.

Shirin, a painting student who is living in dormitory, is graduated now. according to her father's insist; she has to go back to her hometown, but that's impossible, because she has a very big problem...

While at the zoo, Ranaa’s mother reveals that her father has left them. As they stroll past empty animal cages, Ranaa reflects on the significance of absence and the importance of cherishing what they have.

A selection of fictional short films crafted by Iranian women. Set against the backdrop of Iran’s deeply patriarchal society, these 6 films bring two interwoven themes emerge: the experiences of women and children. From the delicate and fragmented recollections of childhood memories, to depiction of women within diverse power dynamics, this collection beckons viewers to engage with emotions often overlooked in the tapestry of everyday life. Project curated by Pegah Pasalar and Sadaf Sadri, and by the art platform Cryptofiction.