August 10, 9:00pm, Place de la Paix
Raving Iran by Susanne Regina Meures
Switzerland, 2016, 85 min, original Farsi version with French subtitles
A presentation of Cinéma urbain à la belle étoile presented by Société des arts technologiques [SAT] and by Partenariat du Quartier des Spectacles, in collaboration with Arrondissement Ville-Marie
In Iran, artists are watched, music and parties deemed “Western” are forbidden, and violators are punished with outrageous harshness. In spite of the risks, many people follow their ambitions, waging nothing less than a cultural resistance. Filmed inside the events, Raving Iran introduces us to Anoosh and Arash, two DJs in Tehran’s underground techno scene, who are trying to keep their music alive in secret. They’re burned out by the daily struggle, but they organize one last illicit rave. Their success earns them an invitation to a prestigious festival in Zurich. They now face a dilemma: should they give up their passion, or go into exile? What sacrifices are they ready to make for art and freedom? An account of the brave struggle of young people who refuse to be silenced.