Canadian Premiere
Set in the heart of Tehran, Bidad follows Seti (Sarvin Zabetian, Terrestrial Verses), a young woman who dreams of singing in the streets and sharing her voice openly. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, women in Iran have faced strict restrictions — forced veiling, and banishment from singing and dancing in public on their own. For younger generations, these rules have only fueled resistance, and Seti is part of Iran’s Gen Z women who have increasingly taken to the streets to protest gender-based discrimination and demand change.
Directed by Soheil Beiraghi, Bidad is a raw, intimate, and character-driven narrative film with an exciting pace that draws the audience into Seti’s world. Her longing to sing becomes more than personal; it symbolizes the collective fight for freedom. A story of courage, resilience, and hope, this is a must-see film about the power of one voice to stand against silence.
Special Jury Prize: Crystal Globe Competition, Karlovy Vary 2025
Sarvin Zabetian, Amir Jadidi, Leili Rashidi
Iran
2025
In Farsi with English subtitles
Book Tickets
Credits & Director
Producer
Soheil Beiraghi
Screenwriter
Soheil Beiraghi
Cinematography
Payman Shadmanfar
Editor
Soheil Beiraghi
Production Design
Soheil Beiraghi
Original Music
Bamdad Afshar
Soheil Beiraghi
Soheil Beiraghi is an independent filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer from Iran known for his bold, socially driven dramas. His films have been celebrated at film festivals around the world, despite frequent censorship in his home country: His third feature, Unpopular (2020), was banned from public screening in Iran for over two years. In 2020, he founded Alef Pictures to support the production of independent films. His most recent film, Bidad, premiered at the 2025 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where it received the Jury Prize.
Filmography: I (Me) (2016); Cold Sweat (2018); Popular (2020)
Photo by Alef Pictures
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