An animated film exploring sexual taboos in Iran and a documentary about the United States prison system open March 23 at Nebraska’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
Directed by Ali Soozandeh, the animated drama “Tehran Taboo” reveals hypocrisies of modern Iran, where sex, drugs and corruption coexist with strict religious law.
The film tells the story of three women and a male musician and their attempts at coping with Iran’s strict religious laws and resulting double standards.
Forced into prostitution after her husband is imprisoned, Pari seeks a divorce in the Islamic Revolutionary Court. Living in an apartment building owned by a judge, Pari seeks to gain his influence through sex.
One of Pari’s neighbors is Sara, who is pregnant and wants to take a job — which she cannot do without her husband’s permission.
Other characters include Babak, a musician, and Donya, a young woman, who have sex at an underground party. The tryst leads the duo to seek an operation to “restore” Donya’s virginity.
Made through the use of rotoscope animation, the film creates a portrait of contemporary Tehran that would be impossible by any other means.
Narrated by Academy Award-winner Susan Sarandon, “Survivors Guide to Prison” chronicles the stories of two men, Reggie Cole and Bruce Lisker, who spent decades behind bars for murders they did not commit.
The documentary, directed by Matthew Cooke, focuses on problems faced within the United States prison system — including plea bargains, solitary confinement and life after release.
“Survivors Guide to Prison” features interviews with former prison inmates, police officers, court officials, lawyers, and journalists, as well as many appearances by celebrities. Some of the celebrities interviewed are former prison inmates.
The film was produced by Adrian Grenier and Sarandon.
“Survivors Guide to Prison” and “Tehran Taboo” show at the Ross through March 29. Both films are not rated.
