You are here:

My Tehran for Sale

My Tehran for Sale

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2009

Not Rated

Director

Granaz Moussavi

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

My Tehran for Sale is a sophisticated exploration of individual ability to act within a restrictive sociopolitical framework. It excels by centering the female experience and deconstructing how state power impacts personal autonomy and artistic expression. The film provides a deep, non-stereotypical look at Iranian identity, effectively bridging the gap between those living within the country and the diaspora. This creates a rich cultural texture that avoids clichéd representations. However, the film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities and narratives, focusing instead on broader themes of survival and gendered struggle. Additionally, there is no depiction of visible or invisible disabilities that serve as central drivers in the narrative.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does My Tehran for Sale have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ characters or narratives focused on non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. However, it explores the idea of living secret lives, which touches on broader themes of concealment and societal pressures.

How does My Tehran for Sale portray gender?

Excellent

Marzieh's journey highlights the systemic lack of autonomy for women under restrictive legal structures. The film portrays women as active agents who use art and clandestine social navigation to exercise their influence and navigate their environment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is My Tehran for Sale?

Good

The narrative offers a nuanced look at Iranian identity, avoiding monolithic or Westernized stereotypes. It explores the intersection of domestic life and the diaspora through characters like Saman, providing a rich cultural texture.

How does My Tehran for Sale represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques state-mandated religious institutions as forces that impede individual freedom. It frames the struggle for dignity as a form of resistance against institutionalized control and oppression.

Does My Tehran for Sale include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities that serve as central drivers in the narrative.

Present on Screen

  • Strong emphasis on female empowerment and the disruption of patriarchal hierarchies.
  • Nuanced portrayal of Iranian identity that avoids Westernized or monolithic stereotypes.
  • Effective critique of how state and religious institutions restrict individual freedom.

Limited or Absent

  • Lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities and narratives.
  • Absence of characters or storylines addressing visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Marzieh is a young female actress living in Tehran. The authorities ban her theatre work and, like all young people in Iran, she is forced to lead a secret life in order to express herself artistically. At an underground rave, she meets Iranian born Saman, now an Australian citizen, who offers her a way out of her country and the possibility of living without fear.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.