In this eye-opening and hopeful portrait of a Tehranian youth correctional centre, filmmaker Mehrdad Oskouei introduces us to a small group of teenage boys serving sentences related to violence, theft and drugs. We follow three in particular, each of whom demonstrates an unlikely blend of world-weary toughness, street-smarts and a mature compassion. Their troubled circumstance suggests that they have been surrendered by their families, and the country, to the growing Iranian epidemics of addiction and poverty. In the face of adult abandonment, though, the three discover the simple joys of childhood and friendship through a "boys will be boys" routine of mischief, pranks and sports. In intimate interviews they open up, sharing fierce hopes and tender frustrations for their lives beyond the centre's walls.
Screenplay: Mehrdad Oskouei
Cinematography: Ashkan Ashkani
Editing: Loghman Khaledi
Music: Ali Samadpour
Sound: Farshid Faraji
Prizes and selections:
Courmayeur Noir Film Festival 2007 (Special Mention), Thessaloniki International Film Festival 2007, Leipzig Doc Film Festival 2007, Helsinki Documentary Film Festival 2008
Production:
Oskouei Film Production)
Co-Production:
Sheherazad Media Int'l (SMI)
Distribution:
Sheherazad Media International
(Teheran, T +98 2221863260-61; F +98 21 22858962; sheherazad@smediaint.com; www.smediaint.com)
10 Nov, 18.00 - Teatro dei Dioscuri