Life in Iran For Women Produces ‘Circumstance’

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CHICAGO – Power is a strange, corrupting force. Human beings manufacture power based on governments, money and religion. Oftentimes an element of humanity must be sacrificed to obtain power. In Iran, that element is women, as religious and governmental oppression conspire to create “Circumstance.”

A fascinating exploration into culture, Circumstance uses an artistic force to counteract the religiosity and big brother maneuverings in that mysterious country and offers a glimpse into the challenges of suppressing natural urges. In highlighting the plight of lesbian lovers in Iran, the film also exposes the weaknesses of their power structure, as no one seems to be happy with the cultural atmosphere, even those who benefit from it the most.

Set in urban Tehran, Shireen (Sarah Kazemy) and Atafah (Nikohi Boosheri) are 16 year old schoolgirls who are best friends and look out for each other. Their escapades include sneaking around town to find the underground clubs that feature the taboo combination of modern music, alcohol and intermingling of the sexes. As their allegiance to each other grows, they also find themselves physically attracted to each other, and they consummate this attraction despite all laws and the religious state against them.

Soul Sisters: Nikohl Boosheri as Afateh and Sarah Kazemy as Shireen in ‘Circumstance’
Soul Sisters: Nikohl Boosheri as Afateh and Sarah Kazemy as Shireen in ‘Circumstance’
Photo credit: Roadside Attractions

This “Circumstance” takes a turn Atafeh’s brother, Mehran (Reza Sixo Safai) begins to suspect something between the two, going so far as to have surveillance cameras in the house while the school mates are together. The girls behavior becomes more and more dangerous, and they are finally brought up on morality charges for participating in dubbing their voices onto the soundtrack of the American film “Milk.” Once under the watchful eye of the state, their lives can’t help but go in a different direction.

What first comes to fore is how vibrant and youthful the energy is in the film, which is counter to the image of Iran. Often thought of as such a religious and patriarchal country, the exposure of two giggling schoolgirls is refreshing in a way (at least to counter stereotypes). There is clubbing, hip-hop, music television and the usual rebellious adolescent angst. The girl’s sexuality is almost a fantasy next to the rebellion, and is even shown as such when they dream of leaving the oppressive country and going into entertainment.

The performances are what make the film, there is a distinct understanding about the roles that each of the characters symbolize, from the girls themselves to the brother that betrays them. Their naturalistic portrayals add to the danger of the cultural environment, where even Afateh’s wealthy father (Soheil Parsa) can’t extricate the government’s grip on his daughter once she is marked. As the situation evolves and changes, the characters understand this as well, and the difference in their demeanor before and after is starkly realized.

This is the feature film debut of writer/director Maryam Keshavarz, and her style is dreamy and airy, a counterpoint to the oppression in country. The story is a little uneven, the events focus on the girls and at times jumped from one situation to another without much explanation. But overall the unique quality of the narrative, and the way it is presented, wins out over the small misconceptions. This is an important film, both in the shattering of preconceived notions regarding Iran and the evident realization that “morality police” still exist in the 21st Century.

Big Brother: Reza Sixo Safai as Mehran in ‘Circumstance’
Big Brother: Reza Sixo Safai as Mehran in ‘Circumstance’
Photo credit: Roadside Attractions

Here in the so-called “western world,” our culture is becoming more and more obsessed with “roles” and “position” in regard to this society. If that obsession were to become paranoia, and power began to become misplaced, a state that is depicted in the film might become just as prevalent here. By exposing some of the cruel treatment of womanhood in a country like Iran, Keshavarz accidently (or intentionally) lays out a cautionary tale about extreme dogma and government backing of subjugation.

Freedom is a concept that means different things to different people. To paraphrase George Orwell in “1984,” freedom can also be a type of slavery. If we are to believe that freedom means “I am free, but others are not,” then the chains are attached, and the circumstance becomes that no one is free.

“Circumstance” continues its limited release in Chicago on September 9th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Nikohl Boosheri, Sarah Kazemy, Reza Sixo Safai, Sohell Parsa and Nasrin Pakkho. Written and directed by Maryam Keshavarz. Rated “R”

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2011 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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