Watch a trailer for the upcoming documentary now
When it comes to underground techno scenes Iran’s capital city might not be the first destination on your list. Swiss film maker Susanne Regina Meures aims to change that perception with her new film Raving Iran. The documentary follows the turbulent lives of two DJs – Anoosh and Arash – trying to make their musical mark in a country where Western sounds are banned on state-controlled radio and people have been sentenced to lashes for recreating Pharrell’s Happy video.
According the film’s synopsis the pair face the inevitable persecution of the state head-on as they try to pull off one last rave in the desert. “Anoosh and Arash are at the center of Tehran’s underground techno scene. Tired of hiding from the police and their stagnating career, they organize one last manic techno rave under dangerous circumstances in the desert.” The synopsis reads, “Back in Tehran they try their luck selling their illegally printed music album without permission. When Anoosh is arrested, there seems to be no hope left. But then they receive a phone call from the biggest techno festival in the world. Once landed in Switzerland, the haze of the instant euphoria evaporates quickly when the seriousness of the situation starts to dawn on them.”
The film has not been given an official cinema release date yet but it will be being toured internationally at a number of film festivals. Check out the dates and the trail below and head over to the film’s website for more information.
Festival dates:
15 – 24 April – Nyon – Vision du Reel
28 April 28 – 8 May – Toronto – Hot Docs
5 – 15 May – Munich – DOK.fest
12 – 18 May – Belgrade – Bel Docs
26 May – June 1 – Zurich – Iranian Film Festival
