OFFSIDE

OFSIDE (AFSAID), 2006
Iran | 35mm, Color, 93' | Persian
Director: Jafar Panahi
Cast: Sima Mobarak-Shahi, Shayesteh Irani, Ayda Sadeqi

Panahi here uses as his starting point the idea that “there’s always a way” in Iran where women are forbidden to attend soccer games. Offside, tells the thrilling drama of a group of women going to a soccer game dressed as men. Shot in documentary-style, this film is the director’s first and only story that includes comic elements. Having succeeded in reaching a wider audience, this film by Panahi is reminiscent of Ken Loach, with non-professional acting, the use of a digital hand-held camera, and a narrative that satirizes and mocks society.