Sharayet

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"Sharayet," directed by Maryam Keshavarz and produced in 2011, made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, where it not only captivated audiences but also earned the coveted Audience Award. The film delves into the sensitive subject of homosexuality in Iran, narrating the deep connection between two young girls navigating a romantic relationship amidst the challenges posed by sexual repression and the socio-political landscape of the Islamic Republic.

Film Synopsis: The story unfolds through the lives of Atafeh Hakimi, a girl from an affluent and educated family, and her closest friend, Shireen Arshadi, the daughter of two executed political activists. Together, they venture into various rebellious activities, including the consumption of drugs, alcohol, and clandestine dubbing of prohibited films. The narrative takes a turn when Meh‌ran, Atafeh's brother, returns home transformed from a former music student with a history of drug addiction into a devout and zealous individual.

Mehran's ideological shift significantly impacts his relationship with Atafeh. Meanwhile, Mehran becomes infatuated with Shireen, who, reciprocally, transforms her platonic friendship with Atafeh into a romantic involvement. Their secretive liaisons escalate when both, heavily intoxicated, get apprehended one night. Atafeh is released with her father's intervention, but Shireen, lacking familial support, faces dire consequences. Mehran proposes a controversial deal for Shireen's freedom: marriage.

The union between Shireen and Mehran casts a shadow over Atafeh, leading to emotional turmoil. Shireen, however, reveals that her commitment to Mehran is solely a strategy for securing her release and being with Atafeh. The film climaxes as Atafeh discovers Mehran's hidden surveillance cameras, witnessing and condemning his violent actions towards Shireen. In response, Atafeh decides to escape Iran clandestinely.

Key Characters:

1. Atafeh Hakimi (Nikohl Boosheri): A rebellious girl from a wealthy background, drawn to various parties and facing limited attention from her family.
2. Shireen Arshadi (Sarah Kazemy): The daughter of political prisoners, living with her devout uncle and grandmother after her parents' execution.
3. Mehran Hakimi (Reza Sixo Safai): Atafeh's brother, initially depicted as a former addict who undergoes a radical transformation towards religious conservatism.