Paradise

This is the feature debut of Sina Dena Ataeian, who has honed his directing skills in various areas of film including animation, video art, concert, TV advertisement, and documentary. The film begins with an interview, in which Hanieh is asked whether she wears her veil when at home. When she answers no, she is told that she is "not qualified to be a teacher." Completely covered in a black hijab except for her face and hands, Hanieh works as a teacher at a strict girls' elementary school. She keeps trying to get transferred but always fails, and is reproached for her personal taste in sports and dance—because she is a woman. She tries to escape her femininity by cutting her hair short, only to have it covered up by her hijab. The outdated prejudice and ridiculous discrimination in this society seem surprising, but the director makes it clear: This is present day Tehran. He has also made it known that this is the first of the "Tehran Trilogy," depicting the violence inherent in daily life. (Busan International Film Festival)