You are here:

Fellow Citizen

Name: Fellow Citizen
Director: Abbas Kiarostami
Released: 1983
Duration: 50 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1983

Director

Abbas Kiarostami

Runtime

50 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Abbas Kiarostami’s work succeeds by centering an authentic Iranian perspective, effectively disrupting Western-centric cinematic structures. By documenting the lived experiences of Tehran's citizens, the film provides a vital non-Western view of urban life and systemic regulation. However, the film is limited by its documentary format and the social constraints of its era. It does not explicitly engage with modern identity politics or provide significant representation for LGBTQ+ or disabled individuals. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its refusal to adhere to Western narrative clichés, offering a nuanced look at how institutional decisions impact the individual through a localized lens.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Fellow Citizen have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It focuses on the logistics and human aspects of traffic restrictions in Tehran.

How does Fellow Citizen portray gender?

Fair

The documentary reflects the social realities of 1983 Iran without explicitly challenging traditional gender hierarchies. It depicts citizens within a regulated environment but does not overtly address gender issues.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Fellow Citizen?

Excellent

The film offers authentic representation by centering an Iranian cast and setting. It disrupts the Western gaze by prioritizing a local, non-Anglo-Saxon perspective on urban life.

How does Fellow Citizen represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative explores the relationship between individuals and state institutions through systemic control. It focuses on the everyday lives of citizens, deconstructing top-down authority.

Does Fellow Citizen include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities being central to the narrative or used as plot devices.

Present on Screen

Authentic representation through an Iranian cast and setting.
Disrupts the Western gaze with a non-Anglo-Saxon perspective.
Offers a nuanced critique of systemic control and state authority.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit engagement with LGBTQ+ narratives or characters.
Does not prioritize the subversion of traditional gender hierarchies.
Provides no documented representation of individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

On July 1983, lawmakers in Teheran decided to close off a section of the capital to regular traffic. Only drivers with special permits could cross the road blocks set up at various intersections leading to the restricted zone.

How are these scores produced? →