CHILDREN OF THE PROPHET

Children of the Prophet offers an intimate insight into everyday life and religious belief in today's Iran, where ancient and post-modern sit surreally side by side. Moharram is the highlight of the religious year for Shiite Muslims, a time when people gather to take a break from daily life. For those with deep religious beliefs, it is a time for connecting with Imam Hossein through ritual acts of devotion. Old and young chant mourning songs and beat their chests, ending with a collective lamentation. Nowhere are the rites as elaborate or widespread as in Iran, the only country with a Shia population of over 90%.

The celebrations are as diverse as the population of Tehran. Young people take this rare opportunity to take to the streets with spontaneous street parties. Food is cooked and shared with family, neighbours and the needy. In this film, we follow four groups and it is their perspective, sense of humour and expression of faith or doubt that makes this event seem so familiar, allowing us to see how community is created through ritual.