Shahed (The witness)

In Iran, the retired dance teacher Tarlan witnesses her friend Rana’s murder by her husband, who is an important government figure. When the police refuse to investigate, Tarlan must decide whether to bow to political pressure or risk her reputation and livelihood in pursuit of justice.

Shahed is a reflection of the current condition of Iranian society, showing the way the government rules and how the people must obey these policies even at the risk of their dignity. This story shows that in the face of a repressive regime, people striving to maintain their dignity and humanity are often erased while the truth has to be destroyed. The antagonist of this story is a private citizen dealing with foreign governments to circumvent economic sanctions on behalf of the Iranian regime. So any crime they commit will be ignored or hidden by the government’s policy of immunity. As long as these people continue to intermediate, they are important for the regime. Shahed is taking a look at this situation in Iran through a personal story. The murder committed by one of these intermediators must be covered up. But there is a witness and this witness does not sell her dignity in the face of political pressure and fear.

PRODUCTION 1: ArtHood Films – Akkus Said Nur
Franz-Mehring-Platz 1
10243, Berlin, Germany
Tel. 49 03025561165
akkus@arthoodentertainment.com

PRODUCTION 2: Golden Girls Films - Arash T. Riahi, Sabine Gruber
Seidengasse 15/20
1070, Vienna, Austria
Tel. 43 1- 8105636
arash@goldengirls.at

PRODUCTION 3: Sky Films - Emre Oskay, Timur Savci
Reşitpaşa Mah. Kongre Cad. No:5°
34467, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel. 90 542 248 48 54
emre@sky-films.com

WORLD SALES: Manola Novelli - ArtHood Entertainment
Franz-Mehring-Platz 1
10243, Berlin, Germany
Tel. 49 03025561165
novelli@arthoodentertainment.com

PRESS OFFICE: Barbara Van Lombeek
+32 486 54 64 80
barbara@theprfactory.com
Marie-France Dupagne
+32 477 62 67 70
mariefrance@theprfactory.com