Original subtitles

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Hello, Maedeh.

Sorry to drag you here.

You're really my best friend.

The only one I trust.

Forward this message

to Behnaz Jafari.

Please.

It's really urgent.

Hello, Madam Jafari.

I'm Marziyeh Rezaei.

From Saran village.

Near Mianeh.

I don't know...

I don't know how to say this.

I can't think.

I've loved cinema since I was little.

I've always dreamed of being an actress.

I fought for that.

I studied and studied and studied.

I've been accepted to the conservatory.

Among the best grades, in Tehran.

But everything fell apart.

My family and my fiance''s family have let me down.

My mother told me if I married,

I could do what I liked.

I accepted the deal.

But they betrayed me.

They all betrayed me.

I decided to contact you.

I called you

to beg you to come

and convince them.

My family knows your films and series.

They watch you every night on TV.

They laugh and cry with you.

They would have listened to you.

I called you.

Many times.

It was useless.

You didn't answer.

You didn't reply to my texts.

I don't see any way out.

Please forgive me.

Forgive me.

Thanks for

listening to me.

I never received anything from her.

Not Instagram nor Telegram.

Nothing at all.

I spent all night searching this damn phone.

For some trace that she tried to reach me.

If she's dead, how could she send this?

She mentions her friend at the start.

They were supposed to meet in the cave.

She made it before her friend came

and sent it to you.

We'll know more when we arrive.

If she had my number,

why didn't she send it directly?

Where did she get your number?

No idea.

This wouldn't have happened if you had answered.

She and I speak the same language.

She wanted to use me to contact you.

She could have contacted you from the start.

Why drag me into this?

She wanted to be an actress.

She counted on your compassion.

Her family probably recognizes actors

better than filmmakers.

Can I ask you to call Maedeh,

the girl she mentions at the start?

I tried many times.

Her phone is switched off.

See?

What if it's a prank, Mr. Panahi?

Last night,

when I got it,

it was a shock.

I looked for you.

I learned you were shooting.

I called your director.

She called everywhere,

even the Mianeh morgue.

Found nothing.

Why the morgue?

In this kind of case, even in Tehran,

the authorities take over and keep it quiet.

They classify cases quickly to avoid attention.

Out in those remote places,

who knows what can happen...

Maybe she called you on another number.

I do change numbers often because I get harassed.

I give the old ones to my friends.

Somebody would tell me about a call like that.

It's strange, it all looks real.

There's no reason to doubt.

But what about that rope and branch?

Did she bring them herself?

When you want to commit suicide,

you find a way.

It's not hard to find rope and a branch.

She thought of everything.

The branch looks too thin to support her weight.

Apparently not.

Would you mind watching the end again?

I get the impression

the shot of her fall at the end is edited.

Could you stop to look at it closely?

This part, please.

I need to find somewhere to pull over.

Fine.

It all looks real to me.

When she falls,

I don't see any cut.

Only a real pro could do such an edit.

There's no way that girl could do that in her remote village.

It's not the work of an amateur.

Good evening, Jafar.

- Good evening. How are you? - And you?

Is that crazy woman with you?

I'm in a real mess.

I have one day on this set with 50 people waiting.

She ran out on us and won't answer her phone.

My shoot is stalled. What should I do?

I know, but she's very upset.

I didn't want to bring her with me.

She jumped in my car when she heard I was leaving.

I had no choice.

But in her state,

she's not much use anyway.

I checked into the case of that girl.

I know.

There's no trace of any of this.

She won't accept that.

You know what a shoot is like...

Any news from the morgue?

Yes, I called them.

Nothing matching her description in the region.

I don't know...

All of us, we were all very worried.

To make matters worse,

that nutcase ran off and left us in this big mess.

We're approaching the mountains.

We might lose reception.

If I have a signal,

I'll let you know as soon as we hear something.

I'll call your assistant.

She stepped out.

She's not well. She's pacing around.

Try to help me.

OK.

Let me know what's happening.

I promise.

Nothing else to shoot?

Other shots while waiting?

I've only got one day here and she's in it.

Put yourself in my shoes.

There are no other shots I can do.

Running off is one thing. But she could answer the phone!

You know, every cloud has a silver lining.

You'll find a solution.

I hope you'll even gain something from it.

Sorry, my mother's trying to reach me.

I need to call to reassure her.

I'm sorry, she's worried too.

Say hi to the crew for me. See you.

Hello, Ma.

Good evening. I was talking when you called.

How are you?

Where are you off to?

Me? Nowhere. Why?

I'm worried about you.

You should tell your mother when you're leaving.

You could come to see me.

I can't. I'm traveling with a friend.

With a friend?

I heard you're off making a film.

No, Ma. That's not true.

Only rumors.

You're telling me fibs as well now?

What fibs are you talking about?

You could at least tell your mother what you're up to.

Am I your mother or not?

I call your home, and they just tell me stories.

You shouldn't worry so much.

I need you to let me know what's happening.

Come visit me.

I'm all alone.

You know I visit you very often, Ma.

I had to take a trip. I'm not making a film.

Rest assured.

If ever I make one,

you'll be the first to know, I promise.

You have to let me know what you're up to.

I feel bad when you don't visit.

I wonder what you're doing.

Listen, Ma, I really have to go.

You'll be all right?

You want to hang up? Fine, good-bye.

Love you, bye.

Bye.

Can I see your phone?

Thanks.

I called you. Several times.

Thanks for listening to this message.

Did I sleep much?

Good morning. A fair bit, yes.

Can you release the hood?

It's the last button.

Thanks.

Is it still far?

Behind this mountain, I think.

I suggest we start with the village cemetery.

If she's dead, we can find a family member.

Or if she's buried,

there will be a new grave.

Why go to the cemetery?

We'll ask people.

But if she lied

or the family hushed it up to save their honor,

we'll have a hard job.

They can hide everything,

except the body.

No matter how hard they try,

it will come out.

I prefer to check if she's in the cemetery.

If she's not, I'll deal with that little bitch.

Maybe with you as well...

Me?

Not long ago, you came to my place with Tahereh.

You said you were preparing a screenplay about suicide...

- And? - With a role for me.

So?

Nothing.

Nothing.

- Good morning. - How can I help?

Which way is Saran village?

I don't speak Persian. Say it in Turkish.

Sorry, I don't speak Turkish well.

Yes, you do.

You don't forget your mother tongue.

OK, I'll try.

Tell me, did something happen here recently?

Shhh!

- Why? - Horn!

- Sorry? - Blow your horn.

Blow the horn?

Now twice.

Twice?

Blow it twice?

Longer.

- What? - Blow it longer.

Why?

You can go.

Where?

Which way...

for the village?

Drive to the top of the hill,

go down the other side,

right to the bottom.

Then turn right and you're there.

Thanks a lot, bye.

Did you ask him?

Yes, but...

You see?

What?

That's a wedding.

They're allowed to marry.

Not if there had been a death.

Maybe they are from another village.

Here, every valley

has many villages.

In my opinion, in this kind of place,

if there's mourning,

it's respected all around.

Easy.

You're driving on the edge of the ravine.

Stop. Something's going on there.

Hello.

Welcome.

Thank you.

Join us for tea.

Thanks, but we should go.

You don't speak Turkish too well. You can talk to me in Persian.

Thank you. We really should go.

We all must go one day or another.

But take time for tea.

That's kind, thanks.

I've seen this lady before. I don't know where.

But I don't recognize the gentleman.

Is there another village farther from here?

Of course. All over these mountains and valleys,

there are so many villages.

Tell me which one and I'll guide you.

We're touring, photographing the landscape.

Everything OK with you?

Of course, everything is fine.

"This world is unjust.

It knew Noah as well as Solomon.

It gives children as it takes them.

All is pain in this world."

But all is well.

Me and you are the problem.

Where is the cemetery?

Are you treasure hunters?

Do we look like we are?

You don't look like cemetery regulars.

Where is it?

You passed it coming down the hill.

Make a U-turn.

Turn left at the next crossroads.

The cemetery is a bit further on.

Otherwise, there's another one

behind the hill.

It's the old cemetery.

But the treasure is gone.

Thanks. We'll turn back then.

Take care. Bye.

Good-bye.

Why didn't you ask him anything?

We would have talked for hours without learning a thing.

Something was going on there,

but it didn't smell of death.

Madam...

Why are you lying here?

Hello. Welcome to my final abode.

My resting place.

God save you.

What did she say?

It's her final abode.

I'm having a hard time.

She had it dug.

I brought a lamp with me.

I put the lamp there,

to have light,

so the grave is lit for a few hours each night.

Otherwise the snakes will come to make me pay for the bad I've done.

If there's a light,

it frightens them off.

I'll be rid of them.

You fear snakes? You don't seem bad.

I'm not necessarily good either.

What good did I do?

Only God knows.

Long life to you.

I hope all goes well.

Take care.

Good-bye.

It's all a setup.

That girl is playing with us.

Not a sign of her!

It looks like nobody's been buried here for years.

I'm going mad.

What's all this circus since last night?

You told me

that the video was made by a professional.

You asked if there was a cut at the fall.

Yes.

I looked.

It all looked real. I didn't see any cut.

I said that if there was a cut,

it wouldn't be the work of an amateur.

Only a pro could have done it.

There's no such person here, in the middle of nowhere.

It's all real!

Fine. Will you swear to that?

Swear what?

I'm confused.

I want to be reassured about you at least.

You want reassurance?

Here's the key. There's the car.

I'll look for a place to officially take an oath.

Mr. Panahi, I was just playing.

I didn't mean any harm!

Please forgive me.

I regret what I said. Forgive me.

Come on, I didn't say anything so bad.

Please, Mr. Panahi.

Make an effort, for the love of your daughter Solmaz.

Careful.

Make room, kids.

Hello.

Don't bother her.

Come on, get out, Madam Jafari.

I don't speak Turkish.

Welcome.

A round of applause for Madam Jafari.

Darn.

- Don't annoy her, kids. - Thank you.

How are you?

Hello. How are you?

What would you like me to write?

Hold on. What's your name?

Hold on...

"Fereshteh. Good luck."

I'm sorry...

Please sign.

"Good luck."

Hello.

Hello.

Sir, we have too many water and electricity cuts here.

Not to mention the gas.

Sorry, we have nothing to do with that.

We thought you came to help us.

I'm very sorry.

Didn't we see you on TV?

You were cooking for your guest?

I can't remember what dish it was.

We could ask them.

Do you know a Marziyeh?

Marziyeh... You know her?

She's my sister.

She's sick.

No, not her.

She says she has a sick sister named Marziyeh.

That's not who we're looking for.

The girl we're looking for

was accepted into the conservatory.

Oh, so you came here for her, not for us!

For an empty-headed brat!

We hoped you could solve our problems.

Come on, let's go.

Everybody go home.

We're left again in our mess!

What's going on?

Incredible.

Marziyeh isn't liked much in the village.

Her little sister is going to take you to her house.

Do you know which Marziyeh this is about?

Let's go. Give me the key.

Hello.

Please come in.

Is this Marziyeh's house?

Ma, where are you going?

Get out!

You won't set foot in here! Go away!

- Don't embarrass me. - Go!

Where did they come from?

She's not going away to study.

Like that's all there is to do?

Go away!

First studies and then what?

Welcome.

Go ahead.

- She won't study. - I'm ashamed of you. Stop!

I won't!

Why the hell did they come here?

Studies? What the hell for?

Stupid brat!

Leave me alone! I won't let her do studies!

She dishonors us!

You bad boy!

Let's go, sweetie.

Please, follow me.

I'm sorry, come in.

Thank you, ma'am. It's fine here.

Are you sure? Sit down then.

We don't want to be a bother.

Thank you.

What was he saying?

Nothing. A bunch of insults.

Did he mention her?

He wasn't making much sense.

He wasn't clear.

It was gibberish.

There's no sign of...

Don't put yourself out.

Welcome.

I thought you might be coming.

I wish it was another time.

We'll lose face in the village.

- Why do you say that? - It's because...

Marziyeh has been gone

for three days.

We looked for her everywhere. We haven't found her.

Before, when she got angry,

she went to her aunt's.

She's not there either.

Her father went to Tehran,

in case she went there to the conservatory.

Her fiance''s family don't know.

I hope he'll be back soon.

Or Mehdi will cause a scandal.

If the fiance''s family find out,

it will be the end for her.

- That's her brother? - Yes, her younger brother.

Why don't you call her?

We did. Her phone is switched off.

- Ask her friends. - She doesn't have any.

The villagers don't let their girls socialize with Marziyeh.

For fear they'll become as empty-headed as her.

"We don't want entertainers here", they say.

Entertainers...

I haven't heard that in a while.

Roghieh.

Will you see who rang?

My daughter was the most gifted, the most clever.

Her problem is she doesn't know when to shut up.

She says everything she thinks.

That doesn't please everybody.

Once she got it into her head to study,

I knew it wouldn't end well.

I thought marriage would make her forget.

But she imposed her conditions.

We had to accept them.

Her father said the conservatory is extremely selective,

that she would never be accepted.

I took her to the audition in secret.

My bad luck she was accepted! I don't know what to do.

Would Maedeh know where she is?

How do you know Maedeh?

A reference is needed to apply to the conservatory.

Marziyeh put Maedeh's name.

- They are cousins. - Does she live here?

Yes, nearby. You're badly seated.

No worries.

Can we go and see Maedeh?

No, stay here. I'll send Rogieh to get her.

Go and get Maedeh.

Let's go in the car.

We'll wait in the car.

Thanks. When she arrives, she'll come to see us.

Thank you so much, ma'am.

That's very kind.

- I'll bring tea. - No, thanks.

Don't put yourself to all that trouble, ma'am.

You should stay. Maedeh is coming.

We'll wait for her in the car.

Don't mention it to anybody.

Of course. Thanks a lot. Good-bye.

Don't worry.

Thank you. Good-bye.

No need to see us out.

Good-bye.

Gone for three days... Think she's dead?

I don't know.

Madam Jafari! I don't believe it!

Go home, dear. Your mother will be worried.

How are you?

What are you doing here?

- Maedeh, tell me where she is. - Who?

Listen, I'm in no mood for games.

Stop playing games. I've had enough.

I don't understand.

- Where is Marziyeh? - She's not at home?

Come here.

You sent me a video on Telegram, didn't you?

I don't have a mobile.

Mr. Panahi...

give me your phone.

Unlock it.

Whose number is this?

Marziyeh's.

What's up? I'm getting worried.

I don't understand.

Madam Jafari.

Mr. Panahi, did something happen?

Mr. Panahi...

No, it's nothing.

When did you last see Marziyeh?

A couple of days ago.

She didn't tell you anything?

Like what?

I don't know. Maybe about her studies.

She talks about them all the time.

She didn't say when she was leaving?

How could she, poor thing?

She's desperate.

Do you know anything, Mr. Panahi?

It seems she knows nothing.

Mr. Panahi...

- Is there a cave near here? - Why?

To know.

Yes, that way.

You will see the mountains.

Mr. Panahi...

Excuse me.

Did something happen to her? Please tell me.

No, nothing happened.

Just don't say anything to anybody. OK?

Say nothing, to nobody.

- Promise? - Yes.

- Take care. - Thanks. Good-bye.

Mr. Panahi, it's here!

There, the branch.

What about the rope?

The body, the phone and all that, where are they?

I told you it was all staged.

You expect all that to be here?

- They took it all probably. - Who?

Her family.

You know they would hide everything to save face.

But they said they hadn't heard from her for three days!

If they are covering up, they would not tell us.

So they staged this for us?

No, for their honor.

Hello.

Have a seat.

Thanks. Don't get up.

How are you?

- What would you like? - What do you have?

Fresh eggs, they're very good.

Just two teas, thanks.

We're honored by your presence.

Welcome.

Sorry I didn't recognize you on the road. I learned later.

I'm very sorry.

They are welcoming us.

He's apologizing for not recognizing you.

No problem.

That business with the horn earlier, what was it?

I thought you understood.

I did... but tell me more.

Do you mind if I explain?

In fact, in our village,

the only road, that you saw,

is very rough and narrow.

Only one car can pass at a time.

You honk at the bend to know if the road's clear.

If so, you can go on.

If not, the car on the other side

honks to show it's there.

You know it's coming.

If you don't honk back, that means the other one can pass.

If he's in a rush, he honks twice.

It's the emergency signal.

What do you do in this case? Wait.

Wait for the other to pass.

If you're in a hurry too, you honk longer.

To signal a real emergency,

like a sick passenger.

Then you can pass.

We set this rule together.

You make your own rules.

Of course, sir.

Everything falls apart without rules.

Common sense is necessary.

In this village, for example,

we've got nice gardens,

fine orchards, generous soil.

But if somebody falls ill one day,

are the garden, the orchard or the soil going to cure him?

Of course not.

We need doctors.

To treat us when we're sick.

In this village,

there are more satellite dishes than people.

Tomorrow, if they're sick, who's going to treat them?

Satellite dishes

or wannabe entertainers?

Neither one can cure them.

That girl won't listen to reason.

She does what suits her.

Really empty-headed!

What did you come all this way for?

She won't listen...

And if somebody wants to be an entertainer,

what should they do?

That won't do at all.

We have a saying in the village:

Let a corpse do what it likes

and it will shit itself.

You know how much trouble we go to

for our animals?

Our lives depend on them. We have to struggle not to lose them.

Without them, we can't survive.

That young girl needs to understand something:

if an entertainer's life was enviable,

then Madam Shahrzad, who once had her time of glory,

would not find herself now living all alone,

so miserably in her little house.

Who's Shahrzad?

A lady who danced and sang in films

before the Revolution.

Mr. Panahi!

Not that way, this way.

Hurry up.

See what you've done to me?

I moved Heaven and Earth since yesterday

to try to find you, you little brat!

- And you're playing hide-and-seek? - Listen!

- Have you no shame? - Forgive me.

What should I forgive?

Are you kidding me?

Listen, Behnaz!

Don't use my first name!

Shut up!

I've had it with you!

- I let a child manipulate me! - Allow me to explain.

No, I won't allow you!

I won't allow you to do anything!

Don't hit her!

Out of my way!

Shut up!

You pretended you had no news!

Why lie, you little bitch?

Why did you lie to me?

Why did I lie to you?

Why lie?

You were the only one who could save me!

I wouldn't have lied otherwise.

Can't you understand?

Can't you understand?

Please, Madam Jafari.

I beg you. Try to understand me.

Please.

I had no choice.

You were my only hope to attend the conservatory.

You empty-headed girl...

You call me empty-headed as well!

You talk like the others!

I beg you. Try to understand.

You're the only one who can help me.

I tried everything. Everything!

I saw no other solution.

And I owe you something as well?

What do I owe you?

Couldn't you have simply asked me?

If I had asked you, if I had told the truth,

would you have come?

Would you really have come?

Please, Madam Jafari.

I beg you.

I'll get down on my knees if it helps.

Don't go! This time my brother will kill me

for disappearing for three days.

He'll set fire to Shahrzad's house.

He'll destroy everything if he learns I was at her place.

I beg you.

Please, don't leave!

Why can't they understand?

- Hello, how are you? - Fine, thanks.

Have you got a mobile? Is there a signal?

Wait, I'll check.

No, no signal. What's going on?

We were leading the bull and he fell.

What will you do?

What can I do?

Not a whole lot.

My colleague went up the hill to try for a signal.

He'll try to reach a veterinarian, if there's reception.

If not, he'll go to the village to call from a landline.

The poor animal will be dead by then.

What else can I do? Tell me.

I can help you to push it to the side so we can drive past.

That's what you think.

He's all swollen. Look at his belly.

If we touch him, he'll die.

We can't just wait here. You could put it out of its misery.

God forbid!

I did honk though.

You could have responded so that I wouldn't advance.

I heard you, but I thought it was my colleague with the vet.

A vet in the village? Fat chance!

I think you'd be better

cutting your losses.

Even humans are put out of their misery.

Do it for him.

It's a sin. And I've only got a small knife.

I couldn't. I don't want him to suffer.

He's already suffering.

Yes, but that's different.

He's suffering, but it's not up to you or me to intervene.

It's God's will.

If I put the knife to him,

we'll both be responsible.

That's not just any bull.

He's the bull with the golden balls.

- What? - He's a stud.

- Know what I mean? - No.

Does the lady speak Turkish?

No, she doesn't.

Then I'll explain.

He's a stud bull.

He's not a regular bull. He's very special.

He's used for breeding.

You only see a fallen bull blocking your car.

But nowhere in Azerbaijan,

nor all of Iran, will you find a bull like him.

He's of a breed apart, with special genes,

a unique specimen.

I've seen with my own eyes.

In one night, he impregnated ten cows!

I get 300,000 tomans per breeding.

Tomorrow, there's a big fair here.

People come from all over with trucks full of heifers.

You can imagine the scene.

I can already see the trucks lining up for him.

Local cows are the worst.

One sniff of him and they moo with desire.

Spend the night here and you'll hear for yourself.

It's like a symphonic orchestra when they all get going!

He's one-of-a-kind.

And he had to fall...

When the heifers arrive tomorrow, what will I tell them?

He cannot be replaced if something happens to him.

- Know why? - Why?

His testicles are miraculous.

Give a kebab of them to an old man of 80,

he'll become a beast!

Let's go back, Mr. Panahi.

We have to go. Good-bye.

I'll leave you my card. You never know.

If you need a pick-me-up,

we do express deliveries of kebabs.

Thank you. Good-bye.

Listen, think what you want,

but I find you were very hard on her.

People here aren't used to that.

They're offended quickly,

but forget even more quickly.

Since we're going back,

try to make up with her.

But it's up to you.

Hello.

- How are you? - Fine, thanks.

I was told Shahrzad lives around here.

A bit further, on the left.

Thanks.

Hello.

Thanks for coming back.

Mr. Panahi...

Wait, please.

One minute.

Excuse me, Mr. Panahi.

Something's up. I'll go check.

- What? - I'll let you know.

Wait for me here. Need anything?

Good you didn't come. The place is tiny.

Embarrassing for her.

What happened?

Nothing. She's angry at the whole world.

Especially directors she worked with.

She says they hurt her a lot.

I told her you weren't making films at that time.

She replied: "All alike!

One worse than the other!"

She must resent us

for not supporting her.

But she wasn't alone.

All those actors back then faced the same problem.

She's got nothing in her house. Just her paintings

and posters of her films.

That's how it is.

I proposed to Marziyeh to take her home before leaving.

She wants to wait her father's return from Tehran tomorrow.

He seems less narrow-minded than the brother.

But it's as you like.

Do we have a choice?

Not really. But what are you going to do?

Nothing.

I'm fine. I'll stay here.

No.

If the villagers find out, they won't accept this.

I want to stay here.

I'll sleep in the car.

I'm tired.

I'm safer here than anywhere else.

I'll leave you this. They're from here, they're delicious.

There's tea as well. I'll bring you some.

She also gave me a CD of her poetry.

She recites?

Yes, she recorded it in Kerman.

They just arrived, she gave me one. I'll leave it with you.

Thank you.

You don't need anything?

Good evening.

I had reached the summit of uncertainty,

desiring to know the names.

The headmistress' hand

made the hammer dance in the air,

breaking the silence of the immaculate dawn,

banging against the red metal object

pinned on the schoolyard pine tree.

Ring, ring, ring.

The silence tortured the innocence.

The first prayer

was an obvious curse for me.

Stand up.

Sit down.

I did not say "present."

In this case, you are absent

Mr. Panahi...

Sorry, did I wake you?

No, I was dozing.

Would you like us to walk a bit, as far as the village?

I could make a phone call.

I'll call the production assistant. They've been worried since yesterday.

I don't feel up to it.

I'll come if you need me.

No.

Have a rest. I'll come back quickly.

Enjoy yourself.

Hello?

Good evening, Mr. Ahmadi. I'm really sorry.

I know. I understand you.

I had a serious situation.

I don't know...

Even if I had been on set, I would have been useless.

I spoke to them.

Yes.

I understand. You're absolutely right.

But you can tell me for tomorrow.

We can shoot at night, from 6:00 on.

- Count me in. I'll be in Tehran. - May I interrupt?

Thank you. I'll explain when I see you.

Not at all. Nothing to do with it.

No problem like that.

I'll explain everything.

Thanks for being so understanding.

Thank you so much.

Good evening. Bye.

Since you're here, how does the TV series end?

As always: tears and mourning!

A character will die.

Thank you very much, sir.

Excuse me.

- How much do I owe you? - You're my guest.

No, please.

I had a tea, I was able to phone...

Please, I'm embarrassed.

It's nothing really.

It's an honor to have you.

Thank you very much. Good-bye.

The gentleman isn't here?

No, he's tired. He's sleeping in the car.

I wanted to tell him something.

I can tell him for you.

I don't dare tell you.

Consider me like your daughter.

Not here in the cafe'.

Let's go to my home for a few minutes.

Do you remember my house?

- The one with the yard? - That's it.

- But I have to go back soon. - OK.

I've got a souvenir

for you and the gentleman.

It's from the circumcision party.

Thank you. Was it for your grandson?

Certainly not!

My son! Not my grandson.

Bravo, a child at your age?

I wish you had been there.

To see all with your own eyes.

You wouldn't have believed he was getting cut.

He didn't shed a single tear.

When my eldest Ayoub was circumcised, I took his foreskin

with me to Tehran.

I wanted to bury it near a palace.

So that one day, my son Ayoub would work there,

even as a janitor,

and he could help me.

The guards arrested me.

They put me in jail and beat me half to death.

They hit me every day.

They finally let me go.

Then I went to the cinema.

I saw a film,

I left

and went home.

Later, God gave me four daughters.

Congratulations.

Even my second wife

couldn't have a son.

She never had a boy.

Twelve years ago, God granted me a boy,

another son.

Good evening, ma'am.

Sorry to have bothered you.

Thank you very much.

Thanks.

How much does meat cost in Tehran?

I don't buy meat. I'm vegetarian.

You were saying?

Wait until my wife leaves.

And what's the weather like in Tehran?

It's hot and polluted.

Here, it's refreshing.

Here you go.

Thank you. You shouldn't have.

Thanks.

Don't trouble yourself.

It's all fine, thanks.

I was wondering...

That story you were telling me about your son,

what influence could that have on his future, his job?

Where you're from,

you don't circumcise boys?

What happens to the foreskin?

I suppose they throw it away.

But it's sacred. No wonder bad things happen to you.

A boy's destiny depends on it.

You have to give it to his godfather

to hide in a chosen spot.

Put it in a prison yard,

the boy will become a delinquent.

Put it in a university courtyard,

he'll become a doctor or engineer.

- That's amusing. - Nothing to laugh about.

I'm not laughing.

If you want him to be a doctor,

you only have to bury the thing

in the right place, is that it?

Of course not!

He has to go to college!

But if you place it correctly, God will encourage him

to work really hard

to get into university.

Those are our customs.

Do you know Zail?

Who?

Shir Mammad.

Everybody knows him, but not you?

What is his full name?

Vossoughi.

Behrouz Vossoughi.

Behrouz Vossoughi?

Yes, look.

Here.

He's a real man.

He's virile.

He's brave.

You can tell from his gaze that he's a man.

For sure.

- Is he still alive? - Yes.

Good.

I thank God.

As long as he lives,

Ayoub's fate is in his hands.

I've kept this for 38 years

to be able to guarantee him a future, by the grace of God.

Could you...

give him this?

What is it?

Don't be offended.

It shouldn't repel you.

I've kept it in salt,

wrapped in cotton

and put it in this cloth.

It's my son Ayoub's foreskin.

What do I do with it?

Be kind.

Give it to the gentleman

to give to the virile man.

He can't.

Mr. Vossoughi is abroad.

Do us a favor.

When the gentleman goes abroad, he can take it along.

But the gentleman...

can't go abroad.

And Mr. Vossoughi can't come here.

Why?

Because...

In that case, give it to the gentleman

to give to your boss.

He can tell him my Ayoub story.

Maybe God will help us.

Even the problem of the gentleman and the virile man

can be solved by a snippet of skin.

- OK. - It has powers, I tell you.

Good night. Thank you.

Excuse me.

I wanted to say something else.

In the TV series, I saw you're single.

We've got room here. Stay, the weather's nice.

Thank you.

At least give the gentleman this letter.

If he has a problem, it will help.

What is it?

My son Ayoub's life story.

- Thank you. - Good-bye.

Good evening. What are you doing here?

- I heard you were back. - I was going to your house.

- Any news of my daughter? - Don't worry, she's fine.

You saw her with your own eyes?

Thank you. Let me kiss your hand.

You helped her a lot.

It's your daughter who made me come here.

Good evening. Will you come to my house?

Thanks, another time.

Don't stay in the dark.

Good night.

Thanks a lot.

Sleep well.

Your daughter is fine. She is at Shahrzad's.

What's wrong?

Her father is coming back.

If her brother learns she's there, he'll burn it down.

He'll burn down Shahrzad's house?

Why?

This is a village.

People gossip.

We're dishonored.

I thought she was in Kerman.

What's she doing here?

She came two years ago.

At first, they harassed her a lot.

When the mayor discovered that she had appeared in films,

dancing,

he decided to chase her away.

He sent people

to...

to go and throw her things out.

That didn't bother her.

She painted all day long.

She said being outside didn't bother her.

People finally left her in peace.

The mayor banned us from going to her house

and she never visited anybody.

But she was all we spoke about.

My mother would say: "You want to be an entertainer like Shahrzad?"

Are you two plotting to trick a new victim?

Did you phone?

Yes, I have to be in Tehran tomorrow evening at 6:00.

- We'll be there. - I hope so.

An old man gave me this for you.

- What is it? - A letter.

I'll explain the rest later.

I'm off. I'm starving.

I saw Marziyeh's mother.

Good night.

Please open that later.

What?

Open it later.

You know what it is?

They are all together.

Any news from your fiance'?

Why don't we hear about him?

He's been a deserter for five years.

From time to time, he breaks down

and returns to the village.

He stays a while,

then decides to leave again.

Each time he promises not to desert again,

but he does what he likes.

He could show up anytime.

What would you do then?

I have no problem convincing him.

His family is another matter.

There's no logic, no rules here. Except for the road.

But they change them everyday, instead of repairing the road.

One day, I took a spade and pick

to go and widen some of the road,

so that two cars could pass.

They took away the spade: "That's not for women.

These tools represent the farmer's honor."

Can you switch it off? Sorry.

Take this.

Good evening.

What brings you here?

How are you?

Fine, thanks.

And you?

Come to our home.

The mayor asked us to treat you like a guest.

Thanks a lot. We're leaving at dawn.

That's why I'm staying here. Otherwise I would come. Thanks.

Do you need anything?

No, I've got everything. Otherwise I'd bother you.

Clothing, a blanket?

That's kind, but no thanks.

Thanks a lot.

Give everyone my regards.

We won't disturb you any longer.

Thank you very much. Good evening.

Good evening. Take care.

City folks never listen.

A strong hailstorm would show him.

Careful what you say.

That's worse for us.

We would lose all our crops.

Even so, it would teach him a lesson.

Good morning.

Did you sleep well?

Do you want to wash your face?

Good morning.

At dawn, she went out with her painting gear.

She left you a gift.

She doesn't resent me too much.

No, she lives her life.

And what's this?

I'm now a godfather.

I'll put it here, don't forget.

Shall we go?

Mr. Panahi...

Women know better how to handle these situations.

Who is it?

Good morning.

Who's there?

It's us.

I've brought Marziyeh back.

- Come in. - Thanks.

Promise me there will be no trouble.

Come in.

Get out.

Where do you want me to go?

Open the door.

I'll walk for a bit.

Madam Jafari!

Madam Jafari!

Madam Jafari, wait for me!

Adapted by: Massoumeh Lahidji