Terrestrial Verses

Nine chapters feature everyday people navigating the cultural, religious, and institutional constraints in contemporary Iran. Both humorous and poignant, these vivid stories reveal the life force and determination of people in the face of adversity, painting a nuanced portrait of a complex society.

Terrestrial Verses by Ali Asgari and Alireza Khatami is a critical tragicomedy in the spirit of the Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami. Asgari and Khatami sharply point out abuses in their country and paint a searing portrait of abuse of power and narrow-mindedness, focusing on the resilience of individuals.