Terrestrial Verses

“Terrestrial Verses follows everyday people from all walks of life as they navigate the cultural, religious, and institutional constraints imposed on them by various social authorities, from school teachers to bureaucrats. These stirring vignettes, humorous and affecting, capture the spirit and determination of people amidst adversity, offering a nuanced portrait of a complex society.”

Modernism and postmodernism are both under threat in this volatile world evident in last year conflicts and humanitarian debacles. Terrestrial Verses by budding director duo Asgari and Khatami localize this issue by showcasing the struggles of ordinary people in Iran against a bureaucratic and fanatical system completely devoid of common sense and any humanistic traces. The minimal aesthetic and daring exchanges can be comforting and unsettling at the same time. The directors invite us to go deep into each character and uncover what they feel as the clouds of uncertainty hover on their lost terrestrial space and verses unfamiliar to them murmured in front of this frozen camera. A must watch for all concerned global citizens and ones who feel torched by what has taken place to the Iranian psyche.