Mohammad Rasoulof is an Iranian writer and dissident film director, with other notable films including Iron Island (2005), Seed of the Sacred Fig (2014) and Man of Integrity (2017). He was arrested in Iran and was sentenced to a year in prison in 2010. Rasoulof has long been banned from making films in his home country, as his work was labelled 'propaganda against the regime' and 'activity against national security.' Despite this, he has continued to make films which challenge the regime. After multiple attempts to silence his work, with bans placed on him and his crew to prevent them leaving the country, he fled Iran. He currently lives in exile in Europe where he continues to challenge Iranian authoritarianism and censorship.

The White Meadows (95 mins) 2009 Mohammad Rasoulof

Rhamat, a sailor without wind who rows his way through a circuit of desert islands is tasked with collecting the tears of the inhabitants. Through allegory, memory and symbolism, the film offers a scathing critique of Iran's political leadership.

The screening will be introduced by benjin from the June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive and followed by an informal group discussion about the film and its themes, about contemporary struggles in Iran, as well as solidarity taking place here in the UK.