Tehran, Iran: Governed by the strict rules of Shia Islam you might assume that prostitution and adultery are non-existent in the light of the harsh punishment dealt out to those found guilty. However, due to a loophole in Muslim Law if the men agree to make a temporary marriage, known as Sighe, they can enjoy their conjugal rights from anything between 2 hours and 99 years. Minna and Fariba are neighbours, good friends and support each other. Both are forced into their situation as prostitutes through economic necessity, Fariba by her drug addicted husband and Minna who was left on the streets after her husband was put in prison. Both also take heroin and must feed their habits as well as their children.

The director Nahid Persson, herself an Iranian political exile, returning after 17 years away from her country, gained the confidence of these women to such an extent that she even accompanies them as they visit clients. A dangerous situation not without risks to the director herself and involving confrontation with the police. Yet as she states: "It is my hope that this film will make the world respond to the situation in Iran. Human rights are nonexistent there. People don't matter in Iran. They have no hope left." Persson herself must have some hope that by highlighting this aspect of modern day Iran something may change for the women who are victims of a desperate situation.

Awards: AFJ Prize and Audience Prize, Créteil 2005

Our Award Winner!

On the southern Iranian island of Qeshm married women are hidden until their death behind a "burka", a leather mask of black bands, which presses against the eyebrows and nose, and ends in a point just above the mouth. In interviews women confide in Mehrad Oksouei through the camera. They talk surprisingly openly about their mental and physical conditions although this means contravening strict religious rules. "We never wanted to appear in front of a camera, but now we do. We may wear burkas, but we are human beings. We breathe and live."

During the ritual ceremony of the "Zaar" (literally possession), a dance is performed to liberate the women from so-called bad spirits. More and more women find their only escape from their misery and oppression is suicide. The film opens with the funeral of Samireh, who hanged herself from a fan with her shawl. Her husband's only concern is: "A woman is like a pair of shoes. When one is gone, you can find another one. But what am I supposed to do with the children?" Other women have chosen to endure their dreadful lives out of love for their children. Mehrad Oksouei gives these plagued women their beauty and dignity back.

Horizons Award, DOK.FEST 2005