Iran has long been one of the most important countries in the Middle East. By 2025, the country appears to be on the brink, possibly on the verge of a major war, with internal tensions that have simmered and occasionally flared up in recent years. Despite the oppressive regime in the Islamic Republic, the country boasts a rich film culture – often sanctioned by the authorities. The films in this program all take inspiration from contemporary Iranian society, with several explicitly addressing the status of women.