The powerful feature debut from artist Shirin Neshat Women Without Men was awarded the Venice Silver Lion for Best Director. Based on the controversial novel by Shahrnoush Parsipour, this is a sumptuously filmed reflection on the pivotal moment in Iranian history that directly led to the Islamic revolution. Four disparate women are brought together against the backdrop of political and social turmoil during in the summer of 1953. Middle-aged Fakhri is trapped in a loveless marriage, contending her feelings for an old flame who has just returned from America. Young prostitute Zarin tries to escape the devastating realisation that she can no longer see the faces of men. Politically awakened Munis must resist the seclusion imposed by her religiously traditional brother, while Faezeh remains oblivious to the turmoil in the streets and longs only to marry Munis’ domineering brother. As the political turmoil swells in the streets of Tehran, each woman is liberated from her predicament. But it’s only a matter of time before the world outside the walls of the orchard seep into the lives of these women as their country’s history takes a tragic turn. ✮✮✮✮ "A quietly tremendous film which ensnares both the heart and the mind" - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian