A group of young women dress up as men to watch a football match in Tehran stadium, despite it being forbidden. The film atmospherically depicts the absurd everyday reality of prohibitions, authority and resistance. Afsaid is a lively, critical and humorous tale about courage, the desire for freedom and social rules in Iran.
For 47 years, Iran has been largely isolated from the world due to political sanctions. One of the few ways to access Iranian society is through cultural formats, especially cinema. Iranian films enjoy a high international reputation and have won numerous awards at renowned festivals. Especially after the 1979 revolution, which led to the Islamic Republic, an independent film language developed, characterised by poetic realism, subtle social criticism, minimalism and symbolic storytelling.
Three films curated by lecturer Elika Palenzona-Djalili offer impressive insights into everyday life, morals and social conflicts beyond the political headlines. Afsaid is the third and final film in this series.
