We Are Half of Iran’s Population

We Are Half of Iran’s Population

Documentary, 74 min, Color, 4K, 2:1, 16:9, 5.1, stereo, Persian and Dari, 2024, Iran

Presskit

Synopsis

An Afghan teen girl, with immigrant parents in Iran, strives to pursue her dream of becoming a professional Muay Thai boxer despite her family’s conservative mindset, enduring physical abuse, and anti-immigrant surroundings. Working day and night, she finances her Thai Boxing classes without her family’s knowledge. Through this sport, she aspires not only to succeed in the ring but also to overcome life’s obstacles. “Maydegol” portrays the perseverance of Generation Z to escape their seemingly bleak destiny, asserting their rights, especially as women, seeking freedom in life despite the risk of losing it. It also serves as a mirror for them to recognize their strength, find inspiration, and gain confidence.

We Are Half of Iran’s Population

Cast & Crew

Director  ِRakhshan Banietemad

Photography Reza Teimoori

Editor Reza Bahraminejad

Sound Recording Yadollah Najafi

Sound Mix Amirhussein Ghassemi

 

Music Selection Selection (Philip Glass) 

Assistant Director Mahnaz Mohammadi

Executive Producer Mahnaz Mohammadi

Producer Rakhshan Banietemad

 

We Are Half of Iran’s Population

Festivals

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
Sheffield International Documentary Festival

Photos

We Are Half of Iran’s Population
We Are Half of Iran’s Population
"We Are Half of Iran’s Population” (Ma Nimi az Jamiat Iranim)
Rakhshan Banietemad, born in 1954 Tehran, began to make documentaries for the Iranian National Television in 1979, right after graduating from the University of Dramatic Arts, Tehran. From 1979 to 1987, she focused on making only documentaries. In 1987, she directed her first feature film “Off the Limits”.

Rakhshan Banietemad

DIRECTOR’S Statement

Rakhshan Banietemad, born in 1954 Tehran, began to make documentaries for the Iranian National Television in 1979, right after graduating from the University of Dramatic Arts, Tehran. From 1979 to 1987, she focused on making only documentaries. In 1987, she directed her first feature film “Off the Limits”. In 1991, she became the first woman recipient of the Best Director award for “Nargess” at Fajr International Film Festival in Iran. In 1995, she won the Bronze Leopard for The Blue Veiled at the Locarno Film Festival. “Under the Skin of the City”, her next film, was the highest grossing film in Iran in 2000. This film along with “Gilaneh” (2005) and “Mainline” (2006), garnered major awards in more than 50 film festivals. Also “Tales” won the Best Screenplay award in the main competition of Venice International Film Festival in 2014.
While Banietemad’s feature films have been acclaimed and honored worldwide, her documentaries have also been successful and popular internationally. “Our Times…”, was the first documentary ever to be released in the movie theaters in Iran in 2002. It was also screened in highly prestigious and prominent festivals and TV channels such as IDFA, Sundance Film Festival and ARTE.
From 2013 to 2017, she mentored six documentaries, which were well received by the public and contributed to a positive perception of the genre.
In 2008, she received an honorary doctorate from University of London, in 2010, she was awarded the Prix Henri Langlois from Vincennes International Film Festival.
She has joined the Academy Oscar, Writers branch in 2017.