Boys with Broken Ears
2013 | 75 min
2013 | 75 min
Boys with Broken Ears is an intimate look at the hopes and struggles of young Iranians. It is a universal story told through the dream of becoming an Olympic Wrestler. In Iran wrestling is a very popular sport with historical roots in the country’s religion and mythology. It is like football for the Brazilians or boxing for the Cubans, and Iran has consistently produced outstanding world champions that have gone on to win Gold and Silver at the Olympics.
However almost all wrestlers come from the slums and poverty-stricken districts and Wrestling has provided a very slim chance to make something of their lives. As a result two million youngsters try to make it to the national youth team ever year in Iran, but only a handful do.
With unprecedented access to the national youth team, the film follows three main characters who come from very deprived areas of Iran, but whose skills and determination have got them into the team. They are preparing for the biggest events of their careers so far- the world youth championship in Hungary.
This film was broadcast on Al Jazeera English Witness Strand in March 2013.
Winner of Merit at FFD 2014 - Indonesia
Winner of Best Doc 2014- Lake Champion International Film Festival
Winner of Best Story 2014- Noor Film Festival
Winner of Best Director 2014- Noor Film Festival
Screened at:
Am Docs Film Festival 2015
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2015
12th Maailmafilm Festival 2015
Social Justice Film Festival 2014
Fajr Film Festival 2013
PENN Middle East Film Festival 2015