Description

For many in the United States, Iran means “illegal nukes” or “rogue state.” But for the U.S Virgin Islands athlete Kevin Sheppard, it means job opportunity. Undeterred by the increasing hostiles between the U.S. and Iran, Sheppard accepts an offer to play pro basketball in the city of Shiraz.

As the hired-gun foreigner on a newly-established team, Sheppard struggles against lofty expectations, while also trying to navigate Iran’s cultures and traditions. Ever the slick-tongued charmer, Sheppard brings his on-court enthusiasm and charisma to his interactions with teammates and neighbors. Despite wanting to distance himself from the country’s politics and religion, Sheppard, in the spirit of hospitality and good fun, inadvertently makes his home a safe haven for three progressive Iranian women who expose him to debates regarding gender roles, religion, and the Islamic government. Before he knows it, his efforts on the basketball court start to run parallel with the mounting tensions of the 2009 presidential elections.

Director Till Schauder masterfully brings together a crowd-pleasing sports film with a surprising narrative of cultural and political struggle. Not only does Schauder elegantly chronicle the experiences of a fish out of water, he uncovers the hidden strength of Iran by highlighting its people’s own agency for reform and progress. –Tracie Yang

Co-presented by: The Chocolate Voice, City College World Cultures Program,  Persian Culural Center, San Diego Art House Movies, USD Social Justice Living-Learning Community

Credits

Producer: Sara Nodjoumi, Till Schauder

Preceded By

1. 

   BASKETBALL, MERI JAAN

   Veena Hampapur / USA / 2012 / Short / 5 mins

   For an Indian immigrant twice displaced, home is where the hoops are.

   Precedes: THE IRAN JOB

   ---

You May Also Be Interested In...

DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’: EVERYMAN’S JOURNEY (opening night film)

DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’: EVERYMAN’S JOURNEY (opening night film)

JAKE SHIMABUKURO: LIFE ON FOUR STRINGS

JAKE SHIMABUKURO: LIFE ON FOUR STRINGS

MOURNING

MOURNING

NUCLEAR NATION

NUCLEAR NATION

SEEKING ASIAN FEMALE

SEEKING ASIAN FEMALE

THE SHEIK AND I

THE SHEIK AND I

Website Copyright © San Diego Asian Film Festival 2012 & Gala Festival Engine