About 111 Girls

About 111 Girls is a profound narrative drama directed by Nahid Ghobadi & Bijan Zamanpira. Unveiling the complexities of social issues in an impinging manner, this drama is originally a product of Iranian cinema that grapples with the societal issues faced by young women in a small Iranian Kurdish town. Principal actors like Reza Behbudi, Amin Sadeghi, and Mehdi Saki bring fervor to the story, with their performances adding a captivating authenticity to the film's urgent theme.

About 111 Girls follows the story of a government emissary who is sent on a crucial mission into the desolate and remote Iranian Kurdish region. The film sets into motion when a petition materializes in front of the Iranian president. The plea is from 111 young women, all of whom threaten to commit suicide in protest due to the lack of prospective husbands in their desolate region. The government, alarmed at the possibility of such a massive tragedy and the ensuing global scandal, sends an official bureaucrat to investigate and resolve the issue.

Reza Behbudi interprets this character who embarks on this arduous journey. As the film rolls on, Behbudi portrays an extensive range of emotions from initial incredulity to the gradual understanding and empathy towards the plight of these young women. Amin Sadeghi plays a supporting role, complementing Behbudi's character and providing insights into the social realities of the region. Mehdi Saki gives the film a nuanced humor that is as surprising as it is necessary, creating a balanced narrative that secures viewer's attention to the end.

The film vividly portrays the barren, seclusion of the Iranian desert landscape that becomes a reflection of the deserted lives of these 111 women. Cinematographers Behzad Javanbaksh and Mohammadreza Sokout, depict with almost bleak beauty, the desolate regions of Iran, and capture the essence of the isolated life led by the inhabitants of these regions. The landscapes further highlight the severity and intense reality of the country's rural matrimonial issue.

Creatively directed, About 111 Girls sheds light on one of the unique social-economic issues stemming from larger political issues in Iran. Here is a society where the prospect of marriage is vanishing, and the hope for future family life, almost non-existent. But the film is not merely about despair; it is also about resistance, resilience, and the refusal of accept a fate merely dictated by circumstances. While the context is uniquely Iranian, the feelings of desolation, realisation, and defiance are universal.

The screenplay of the film lends an engaging pace through the narrative that does not allow the seriousness of the theme to weigh down the elements of the film. The narrative manages to strike a balance between the gravity of the social issue and the elements of drama, making it a distinctive example of meaningful cinema.

About 111 Girls is as heart-wrenching as it is empowering. It thrives in its uniqueness and ability to narrate a powerful story without slipping into a melodramatic or depressive narrative. Amid the vast emptiness of the Iranian desert, the film narrates a tale of hope, change, and the power of collective action.

The experience looms larger than the cinematic panorama, compelling both the characters and the viewers to confront these issues. The film teases its audience with the stark reality of these desolate regions yet keeps the essence of hope intact. It extends beyond mere entertainment, and its narrative etches a permanent mark on the viewer's minds, conjuring emotions that resonate even long after the film is over.

About 111 Girls is more than a film; it's a cinematic journey that transports viewers to the desolate Iranian deserts, acquaints them with a seemingly unknown issue, and then accompanies them on a path lined with gloom, hope, despair, and ultimately, acceptance and resistance. It is a must-watch experience that transcends boundaries and resonates with human emotions on a universal level. Internationally recognized, this heart-touching film offers a subtle understatement of the power of strong will and resilience against challenging norms and expectations.