Many view the Iranian Revolution as a sudden transition from a Western-orientated society to a strict Islamic Republic. However, after the expulsion of the Shah and the adoption of a religious constitution, there was a short period of freedom in the streets of Iran. While the new rulers were engaged in suppressing oppositional groups, the greater part of Iranian society was euphoric about the victory of the revolution and the end of the Pahlavi dynasty. This changed abruptly with the war on Iraq and the start of the Cultural Revolution, that aimed to discard Iranian society of all Western and non-Islamic elements. Kianoush Ayari’s documentary, that was only recovered one year ago, shows us unique images of Tehran in the summer of 1979, when freedom of speech was abundant and women wore what they wanted to.
his film is part of the program: 30 years of Revolution in Iran.
