A Film by Ali Asgari & Alireza Khatami
Terrestrial Verses
Tehran
David
- Where is the birth certificate? - It's underneath.
Where is the proof of payment?
Here you are.
Thank you.
Okay.
What name have you chosen for your son?
David.
- David? - Yes.
- Are you serious?! - Yes
- Do you reside in Iran? - Why do you ask?
- Do you? - Yes.
If you live in Iran, you should know
your son's name cannot be 'David'.
Why not?
Because the name is not Iranian.
So what?
It cannot be.
Why can't it be?
It would promote a foreign culture.
I don't understand your reasoning.
You live in Iran and want to give your son a Western name.
It's like a European choosing an Iranian name for their child.
My wife likes this name.
That is not an acceptable reason.
Why not?
It's not.
Why 'David'?
It is the name of her favorite author.
People don't usually name their children after their favorite authors.
- Why not?! - It is not possible.
Maybe someone likes the Iranian poet 'Vahshi Bafghi'.
Could you name your son 'Vahshi' (wild)?
'Vah shi' and 'David' are very different.
We don't see any differences.
We have already agreed on this name.
Could you please help us here?
Why not choose your own favorite author's name?
We don't really like that name.
- What's the name? - We don't like it.
- Tell the name. - Gholam Hossein Saaedi.
- Gholam Hossein? - Yes.
Gholam Hossein is great. Such a beautiful name.
Isn't it better than David?
We don't like Gholam Hossein. We like David.
'David' is not allowed but we can use 'Hossein' without 'Gholam'.
This way, you will have a beautiful religious name,
that honors your favorite author.
It has half the name of your favorite author too!
But that is an Arabic name, not Iranian.
As long as it's a religious name, it is not a problem.
- 'David' is also a religious name. - I don't think so.
It is the same as 'Davood', but with a different pronunciation.
It's different. Do they say 'Davood' for David, so we say 'David' for Davood?
But they have the same meaning.
If the meaning is the same, why not choose 'Davood'?
'Davood' is an acceptable option.
We prefer 'David'; we don't like Davood'.
As I've said, 'David' is not allowed.
Could you please help me out here?
Brother, it's not up to me.
We have a list of approved names,
and 'David' is not on it.
So choose either 'Davood', 'Hossein' or 'Gholam Hossein'.
Imagine calling your child 'Gholam Hossein'.
and call him 'Gholam Hossein' come here.
Would you call your own son 'Gholam Hossein'?
You suggested 'Gholam Hossein', I did not say that.
I didn't suggest 'Gholam Hossein'.
You asked me who is your favorite author
and I said 'Gholam Hossein Saaedi'.
I didn't suggest.
Any way, you mentioned it, not me.
I also suggested 'Davood'.
Do you want me to suggest another name?
No, sir. We want the name I told you.
- Let me give you another suggestion. - No sir, no need.
- Why do you get angry? - I am here to help you.
No, thank you.
What should we do now? Would you like to think more?
Or consult with your wife?
Just a little faster, so we don't keep others waiting.
Is 'David' really not possible?
No, sir. How many times should I tell you?
Selena
Please come here. See if you like these models.
Do you have the veil part too?
Yes, we have-the complete set for the obligation ceremony.
I want it for my daughter. A happy color.
What would suit her?
It should be either gray or navy blue.
But the veil must be a light color.
She likes happy colors: Red, Yellow, Green...
No, red is not possible at all.
But you can put a red headband on the veil.
Headband? What do you mean?
No, it's like a forehead band,
but usually a slogan is written on it.
No, ma'am. That belongs to the time of war.
But some people still buy it.
Now, have her try on a coat, and we'll match the color.
Selena, dear.
Yes.
Which of these colors do you like?
None of them.
You have to choose one.
What is this? I don't like it one bit.
In your school ceremony you must wear one of these colors.
See, this gray is beautiful.
Then the veil will cover it.
Then let's get a red one.
She is right. Can we get another color?
No, if they see a bit of red underneath. they'll send her home.
This gray is beautiful.
Come, try this.
That's nice!
Don't hunch.
The size is good.
Go see for yourself.
Why do I have to wear this?
What's wrong with my regular clothes?
Stop arguing. It's a school rule.
Wear that at home and parties,
but you have to wear this uniform at school.
This blue head scarf matches well with the gray color.
- Where is the blue in it? - It's a light blue.
Leave that one. Try this milky-beige color.
Come on, try this.
What is it?
We will adjust it.
No, her hair shouldn't be visible.
Look how cute she looks in it!
- Is it big? - No, it's good.
- It's too big. - No, the size is all right.
If it is too short, they will disapprove
and send her home.
- Try this headband. - No need for that.
Ma'am, it's an obligation ceremony. Her hair should be fully covered.
I know that.
I also have a veil with a head scarf attached to it.
But she'll be more comfortable this way.
I expect a discount, Okay?
Sure. I'd like to show you this newly arrived veil.
Mr. Hasan, bring the milky-colored veil for children.
The one with ribbon embroidery.
This one has green in it, and it's beautiful.
We also have the matching prayer mat.
We were told a veil is sufficient for the obligation ceremony.
Whatever you wish.
Since her classmates are getting the set,
I thought you might want to follow suit.
This is the best fabric, just wash and wear.
It will last seven generations.
Dear, come try this.
How is it? Does it have sleeves?
Yes, it does.
The sleeves are floral.
Remove the wrinkles. How nice!
Don't look at me. See yourself in the mirror!
Only two eyes can be seen in the mirror.
Put on this flower crown;
it complements your scarf.
Lovely!
If it's so good, why didn't you wear it yourself?
I've done my part! It's your turn now!
Okay, do you like it?
We also have this velvet prayer mat with a ribbon design.
- Which one is cheaper? - This one.
Mom, can I take this off?
This mat is not expensive. A hundred thousand.
We don't need the prayer mat. Just the scarf set.
- Give me a discount too. - Sure. Come to the cashier.
Aram
Yes, Ma'am.
Do you have a boyfriend?
No, ma'am. Who said that?
Don't lie to me.
I am not lying.
I would tell you if I had one.
So, who is this guy?
Who, ma'am?
The one who dropped you off on his motorcycle.
No one dropped me off.
- No one gave you a ride? - No.
How did you come to school?
By taxi.
Why didn't you take the school bus?
I overslept.
No, you did not oversleep.
You wanted to come with that boy on his motorcycle.
What boy?
The one who dropped you off on his motorcycle.
No one dropped me off. Did you see anyone?
I didn't, but Mr. Jalil has seen it.
How could Mr. Jalil see anything? He's blind.
Watch your language!
He is not blind. His eyesight is weak.
His glasses are this thick!
He can barely see a meter ahead! How could he recognize me?
Actually, he sees what he needs to see.
That's why he's here.
I thought he was here for cleaning.
That's not your concern.
How does he know it's me?
There are 500 girls in this school.
all wearing the same uniform.
He is sure, it was you.
How is he sure?
He recognizes you from your walking.
How do I walk?
You're walking with a waddle.
What do you mean?
I mean you're walking with your toes pointing outward, like a duck.
Am I the only one who walks like that?
Are you saying that he's lying?
I am not saying that.
But he probably made a mistake because of his weak eyesight.
He never makes mistakes.
Plus, this wasn't your first time.
Why does Mr. Jalil remember how I walk?
Let me see your head.
- What for, ma'am? - Let me see.
Did you dye your hair?
No, ma'am. It's naturally this color.
You're looking into my eyes and lying?
You dyed your hair.
No, believe me, it turns to this color in the daylight.
Are you a chameleon?
Come here.
Take off your headscarf.
Take it off.
Isn't this dye?
Is your hair naturally blue?
Sit down.
I am going to set you straight today.
Shameless liar.
What's this boy's name?
What boy? I swear there is no boy.
Are you lying and swearing to it, you idiot?
Alright, I dyed my hair, and a boy dropped me off here.
- So what? - Don't talk to me like that.
How did I talk?
Rude and angry.
I am not rude. When I tell you the truth, you don't believe me.
I would let you go if you had told me the truth.
You think you are dealing with a fool?
Ma'am, what do you want me to say to leave me alone?
I told you to behave!
I am going to call your dad.
You explain to him.
No, ma'am please. I beg you.
Your father should know that instead of coming to school,
you are riding motorcycles with guys.
Please hang up, I'll tell you the truth.
Okay?
Whatever Mr. Jalil has said is true.
So, who is this boy?
Please don't drag him into this.
I won't. I just want to know his name.
Mohammad.
Mohammad what?
Mohammad Amiri.
Ma'am, you promised not to call.
Your'father should know. what a loose daughter he has.
Ma'am, hang up. I have to tell you something else too.
Tell me.
Mohammad and I went to Qeytariyeh Park on Wednesday.
So?
- You want me to tell you the rest? - Yes.
I filmed you.
I was not at Qeytariyeh Park on Wednesday.
You were there. And actually you weren't alone.
I can go get my mobile and show you.
What is this nonsense?
Okay. It's nonsense.
Call my dad.
I am not like you. I don't break my promises.
I won't tell anyone.
Now, if you allow me.
Sadaf
Could you refresh it?
Apparently there is an internet problem.
Do you also have internet problems?
Sometimes it gets disconnected.
Let's wait a minute.
I thought you controlled the tab on that.
Not really. It's not in our control either.
Hello Mrs. Shabani, could you send the file again?
It has not arrived yet. Yes, 206 silver, 88.
Thank you.
I am sure it is a mistake.
How many 206 cars are there with the same tag number?
It wasn't my car.
Cameras have recorded it.
I don't even have any hair to reveal.
Don't take it off. Wear it!
It's only you and me. What's the problem?
No, there are cameras here. The <> can see.
Our cameras don't make mistakes.
I am not saying your camera made a mistake.
They took my phone downstairs. Otherwise, I could show you the pictures.
My hair has been short for some time.
Maybe you yourself were not the driver.
What is important is that the driver did not have hijab (veil).
It's not possible. I don't lend my car to anyone.
- We'll see when the file comes. - Yes.
Don't you give a warning before you tow away the car?
You were warned once but you didn't show up.
I have not received any text messages.
I know what time you opened the message,
and you're telling me you haven't received any?
You can see when I open my messages?
We know many things.
The message was...
on the 23rd,
at 14:34
and you opened it at 14:35.
You are pretty fast with your phone!
I worked at a rideshare company. I have to answer my phone.
So you received our messages.
I didn't receive any messages from the traffic department.
I swear to whoever you believe in.
As you are familiar with belief, why did you remove your hijab?
I told you it was not me.
Maybe you gave your car to someone and you forgot about it.
Ma'am, I am telling you.
I don't lend my car to anybody.
I make my living with this car.
So I don't lend it to anybody.
Maybe you forgot. Anyway it's recorded here.
I will prove it to you when the file arrives
let's assume I didn't cover my hair.
Isn't my car my private space?
Who said your car is your private space?
It is not?
No! Cars have windows and you can see the inside.
It is not a private space?
If the interior is visible, no, it isn't.
It is my home.
You can't do whatever you want in your home.
No, it's not private.
What constitutes a private space in this country?
I don't want to discuss politics with you.
I am not a political person.
I am just doing my job.
I am not discussing politics either.
But your job is depriving me of my livelihood.
If you confiscate my car,
and I could not make the next payment,
I will lose it.
If your vehicle is the source of your income,
don't commit a crime in it!
What are you talking about?
Uncovering your hair is a crime.
What if the head scarf slides off?
It won't slide off, if you don't want it to.
- What if it does slide off? - Then you become a criminal.
That simply?
Do you think mine slides off?
What?
I am asking, does mine slide off? I mean my headscarf.
No.
See I use clips to hold it.
Since early morning, I bend over a thousand times,
but it does not slide off.
It won't slide off, if you don't want it to.
I don't have any hair to use a clip.
- The photo arrived. - Can I see?
Yes, I will play it for you.
- Is this your vehicle? - Yes, it is.
Okay.
Does this woman wear a hijab?
It is not a woman. It's my brother.
- It's your brother? - Yes, it is. He has long hair
Are you the reverse of each other?
You shave yours and he has long hair?
Is the size of hair a crime too?
It could be.
How do I know it's not a woman?
It's obviously a man. What do men look like?
Well, he has to come in person to prove it.
- What do you mean? - It's a photograph.
This person is the diver and does not look like a man to me.
This is a man. It's my brother.
If I get my mobile phone, I can show his photographs.
No, you can show me anybody's photo
and say it's my brother.
What is important is that the person behind the wheel
comes here in person.
As soon as possible!
You mean he has to come here?
Yes, he has to come.
Mrs Shabani, she is done here.
Please send in the next person.
What's for lunch?
Faezeh
Should I write my house address as well?
Please answer all the questions.
Here you go.
Thank you.
Excuse me, from the ad,
I couldn't understand what the company does.
I will tell you.
Okay, our company is in the concrete business.
In fact, our job is to make buildings
resistant to earthquakes.
Tehran sitting on a huge fault
which makes us quite busy.
We have two state-of-the-art factories, which leave us with no competition in Iran.
So I like to think we are our own competitor.
need to be selective about our employees.
Because our customers are very selective.
That's great.
And we take care of our employees.
We take care of their insurance and their benefits package.
We even have maternity leave here.
I don't think anywhere else would give
maternity leave like us.
Yes, that's really great.
- Do you have any other questions? - No, thanks.
- Can I ask some questions? - Of course.
- Oh, you live in Karaj? - That's my father's address.
Where is your address?
I don't have a place of my own at the moment.
- Are you really 30? - Yes.
You kidding?
- I could've not guessed. - Thank you.
So you are familiar with Word and typing.
Yes, I wrote it there.
- How is your typing in English? - I can do that as well.
How is your English?
It's pretty good. I am taking advanced classes now.
If there is a conversation, you understand?
Yes, I can almost make a conversation.
Almost?
Okay.
"You are very beautiful." What does it mean?
Didn't you say you know English?
It's simple. "You are very beautiful."
Do you really think so?
I just told you the translation
Why are you so serious?!
Relax!
I am not serious.
Could you please tell me a bit more about the contract?
It has excellent conditions.
Don't worry.
No, I mean working hours, paid leave, salary, etc.
I know what you mean.
It's a private company.
I set the conditions.
It all depends on you.
There's an employee who works 10 hours a day.
and weekends too.
It's been 6 months already, and she's still a contractor.
To be honest, I'm thinking of letting her go.
But there's another employee who works 3-4 hours a day,
and makes her own schedule.
But I'm happy with her
and have already made her a full-time employee.
You see?
It all depends on you.
If I am happy, it has good conditions.
If you're a good girl, it's going to be all good.
Do you understand what I mean?
- Your lips look dry. - Thanks.
- Please! - Thank you.
It's organic. Don't be shy.
Thank you.
Excuse me, just one thing.
As I live in Karaj, I have to go back by subway.
Can I leave at 4 PM every day?
That complicates things.
But I will work something out for you.
Thank you.
- Are you married? - No.
I saw you don't wear a ring, I guessed you are not married.
What about a boyfriend?
Is it related to the job?
If I'm asking. it means it is related.
- Do you? - What?
Boyfriend. Do you have a boyfriend?
No. I don't.
Why?
You're so beautiful. Don't you like guys?
How is this question related to the job?
I told you it is related.
Whatever I ask is related.
Could you answer my question or not?
I have a fiancé.
Just now, you didn't have a boyfriend;
now you have a fiancé?
- Do you really have a fiancé? - Yes.
Okay.
Are you committed?
Yes, I am. Do you have any other question?
Why are you in a rush?
- Is it hot here? - No. It's not.
Yes. It is. You are sweating.
Take your scarf off. It's a private company.
We don't have a mandatory Hijab rule here.
- Take it off. Relax. - No. I am alright.
We are going to be colleagues. Relax!
Take off your scarf.
I have to go.
Hey, where are you going? I am talking to you! Be polite!
I am talking to you.
I am here for the job interview.
This is the job interview. Come sit down.
Come sit down! Please! I brought the orange juice for you.
Drink your juice, and then leave.
Come, Come sit down.
- Drink your juice. - I don't want it. Thank you.
If you know who you are talking to, you will not leave!
Everybody begs me for five minutes time,
so I can do something for them.
You insult me.
- I did not insult anyone. - Isn't this an insult?!
Sitting here and disagreeing with everything I'm saying.
You don't value who you are.
One signature from me is enough to start your job tomorrow.
You wanted to leave at 4? Okay, leave at 3.
Come whenever you want, leave whenever you want.
What else do you want?
Are you listening?
Come sit here next to me. Come.
Come here!
Give me your hand.
- Give me your hand. - For what?
You are asking questions again!
Do you want to work with me or not?
Give me your hand. I don't bite..
- Give me your hand. - I have to go.
Who the fuck do you think you are?! Go fuck yourself!
You don't deserve it.
Bitch!
Farbod
Mr Farbod Akhtari.
Have you ever seen a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrist or psychologist?
- There is no difference. - Well, there is a difference.
I determine the difference.
No, I was not seeing a psychiatrist.
What about a psychologist?
What do these questions have to do with whether I can drive or not?
We need to know if you have any specific mental health
before we issue your license.
No, I have never seen a psychologist.
Are you taking any medications?
What kind of medications?
Any kind of medication.
I take antacids.
Why? Are you short-tempered?
Does everyone who takes antacids have a short temper?
Mostly, stomach ulcers are due to stress.
Can you find anyone in this city
who has no stress?
So you are stressed.
I didn't mean myself. I was speaking generally.
Don't speak generally.
Are you taking any medication related to mental health?
No.
How about drugs?
What do you mean by drugs?
Narcotics. Do you use them?
No, I swear on the holy book.
Do these questions make you nervous?
No. Your questions are strange.
What's strange about them?
It's not normal.
I have come here to get my driving license.
I said I took antacid pills.
and you say I'm short-tempered.
- Are you a normal person? - Am I abnormal?
It says here that you have tattoos.
Whoever has tattoos is abnormal?
I am sitting here to determine that.
Are you a psychologist?
Let me see your tattoos.
It's a simple tattoo.
Let me see.
It's not a big deal; It's a poem.
I have to see.
Raise your hand.
- What's it written? - I told you, it's a poem.
- Read. - You saw it already.
No, read. I have a point.
Is this a college exam?
I am telling you to read it.
"I am drunk, and you are insane. Who'll take us home?"
Is that normal for you?
It's a poem.
I know it's a poem. But is it normal?
Does a normal person write "I am drunk,
and you are insane" on their body?
It's a verse from Rumi.
Rumi has many beautiful poems.
Yes, he has.
This one is beautiful too.
He has better ones.
-Yes, he does. - Don't pull it down.
It seems there's more above it.
It's nothing.
Pull it up, let me see.
Did you go all the way up there?
Read it, let me see what it says.
"How often did I tell you to drink fewer glasses?"
You really like this poem.
Yes.
Show me your other hand.
It's nothing, sir.
Pull up your sleeve.
Is it the next line of the poem?
Yes
Where did you write the rest?
Pull up your shirt. Let me see.
Why?
Didn't you write it for others to read?
Well, let's read.
I wrote it for myself.
If it was for you, you would have written it in your journal.
Pull it up.
Is it on all of your body?
It's all the verses.
Shall I read it for you?
Take your shirt off.
What?
Take off your shirt. I need to read all of it.
It's all the same.
I want to see.
You want to see me naked?
I have to complete the report.
In your report you say
he has tattoos all over his body.
I can't write without seeing.
If I take it off, will you give me a driver's license?
Well, take it off and we will see about that.
Sir! If you want to reject, just tell me now.
I will give you a two years license.
Two years?
So, every two years, I have to come here
and get naked for you?
You don't have to get a driver's license.
- What T-shirt is this? - Mickey Mouse.
How old are you?
I was wearing it under my shirt, so that no one would see.
But you know what you are wearing!
Is it normal for an adult to wear a Mickey Mouse shirt?
If it is not good, why does TV show it?
It was for kids, not you.
I used to watch it when I was a kid too.
It's not normal. Take off the shirt.
Show me your back.
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
How so? You want to get a tattoo?
You didn't leave any white spots. Then you say you are normal?
It's not normal to me.
You said if I take off my shirt, you will give me a two-years driving license.
Did you write down there too?
Siamak
- Hello. - Hello.
I filled it.
Thank you.
Please, have a seat.
Mr. Siamak Dalvand.
Yes.
Well, your resume is kinda...
I wrote it there.
How long have you been out of a job?
It's been five months.
Why did you leave?
The factory had not received the raw materials.
and they had to downsize the workforce.
Why did they lay off you?
They told a bunch not to come.
These things are not random. There must have been a reason.
No, sir. A lot of people were laid off.
It was not only me.
Were you a temporary contractor?
Yes. Nobody was an employee.
= How long was your contract? - Three years.
We are on a one-year contract here.
If you are selected, we will bring you
on board for three months of probation.
If we are happy with you, we will sign a one-year contract.
That's okay with me.
Are you Shia Muslim, right?
Yes.
Okay, how many pillars of religion are in Shia?
Five.
- Okay. - It's five.
Tell me, what are those?
Oneness, prophet hood, resurrection, divine justice, and succession.
What are the ancillaries of the faith?
Prayers, fasting, alms tax, etc.
That's it?
Hajj pilgrimage?
Are you asking me?
- Hajj pilgrimage. - What else?
Jihad?
Okay.
I don't remember now.
It's many more, okay.
- Do you pray? - Yes.
Do you go to Friday prayers?
go if I am not at work.
You said you have not been at work for five months.
I am a street peddler.
What do you sell?
In the subway I sell socks.
That's cool!
There is no shame in working.
What chapters from Quran do you know by heart?
I know Kosar.
That one has only three verses. Everybody knows that..
- It has four verses. - It's three.
Do you count Bismillah as a verse?
No. Sorry.
- Bismillah does not count. - Right.
What else? Do you know any other chapters?
For example Al Zelzelah (earthquake)?
Yes, but I don't remember it right now.
How do you not know such a beautiful chapter!?
Do you know what chapter I am talking about?
Yes, it's about earthquake.
Earthquake? Are you kidding me?
It's about the day of judgment.
(Reading verses from the Quran in Arabic)
Do you know what it means?
When the earth is trembling, with its ultimate shaking.
Allah is the greatest!
Imagine a thousand atomic bombs
falling on earth all at once!
What could happen?
Allah is the greatest!
(Reading verses from the Quran in Arabic)
- Do you know what it means? - No.
The people astonishingly ask, "What is happening?"
On that day... It's the end of the chapter:
Whoever has done an atom's weight of good will see its reward.
And whoever has done an atom's weight of evil will be punished.
- Do you get it? - Yes, it's very beautiful.
It's very beautiful. Very beautiful.
I am surprised you haven't heard it.
I have.
You have not.
Anyway.
Do you know how to wash yourself before prayer?
Yes.
Okay. Do it.
Here?
Yes, right here.
Here'is the water tab. Do it.
Do you do it while sitting?
No.
First, we wash our hands.
Don't explain to me. I know how to do it.
Just do it.
Did you say the intention?
I did in my heart.
Alright. Continue.
Do you wash it through the sleeve?
I assumed you know
Here it is.
Sorry.
Left arm first?
Sorry. I was distracted.
We make sure all areas get entirely wet.
Wiping of the head.
Should I take my shoes off?
No need for that.
Left foot, right foot.
That's it.
Don't sit. That was enough.
We are done here.
Okay. Should I go now? - Yes.
- Thank you. - You are welcome.
Excuse me, will you let me know?
They will call you only if they want to hire you.
- Goodbye. - Goodbye.
Ali
No shooting permission was ever issued for your movie.
We had a general agreement about it.
So, you have no issue with the core of the movie?
No. We have no issues with the its main core.
Then give me a shooting permission so I can proceed with making my film.
What's the issue with the movie?
The script.
You just said you have no issues,
now you're saying the problem is the script?
When we say we have no issues,
we mean that we have no issue with you making a movie.
But the type of movie you make matters.
Mr. Chegini, it's been two years.
Three investors have dropped out.
If you had issues with the script, you should have informed me earlier.
The conditions have changed.
Cultural issues change every day.
We must adapt to the times
and social and political conditions.
This script contains no political critique, no social critique,
and no negative image of the country.
There is no woman without a Hijab.
There are no women in the script at all!
All that is in the script, and you know it.
The script is about my dad.
This is as personal as it gets.
May God bless your father.
You're talking about the revered position of a father.
And then in your script the figure of the father is insulted.
And at the end you kill the father.
This can't be.
You can not have the father killed in the script.
Mr. Chegini, the title of my script is "Things That You Kill."
And you are saying. I can't kill the father?
You see, the title of the script is an issue too.
It must change.
From ancient Greek until now the story of patricide has been told.
It's been in Oedipus; it's been in Hamlet.
Yes, I know all that.
But the problem is that you are comparing the Iranian-Islamic culture
with Western culture.
We are trying to stop the Western cultural hegemony.
No. You are stopping my film. Not the West.
No one is stopping your film.
Your script needs a few edits.
Listen, you are like a brother to me.
I want you to make your film.
I have been working in the cultural section for 20 years.
Until last year you were with the ministry of transportation.
Well, I was also working on cultural issues there.
The Ministry of Transportation also requires cultural input.
You take out the patricide from your script,
change the title and give it to me by Tuesday
and I will discuss it in the committee myself.
Do as I say.
And please have your tea. It's getting cold.
I can't change the title.
I can't write this way.
You are a writer.
You must be creative.
We have many masters in our cinema.
They all made movies, under these same regulations.
And they won many awards.
You take out page 16 to 28 and issues are resolved.
- Here you go. - Great!
Okay, there is no father no more.
But these characters are looking for their father.
What should I do with them?
Well, instead write that the father has gone on a trip.
Consider that my help.
But the father has murdered the mother!
Why should the mother die?
- Because her husband has beaten her. - He should not beat her.
He should not beat her.
I wish he would not.
Listen Mr. Chegini,
In my real life, my father beat my mother.
Sir../
But you are not making a documentary.
I am writing my life story.
No one tells their personal life story on the big screen.
That's not normal, dear.
I can't tell any story besides my own life story.
Why not?
All these great writers are telling stories, good stories.
You should tell a good story too.
What's a good story?
Tell a story from the Quran.
From the book of the first Shia Imam.
If I write you a story from the Holy Quran,
will you give me shooting permission?
Why not?
I personally will call
Farabi Cinema Foundation to get your equipment for free.
Have your tea please. It got cold.
Listen, I will write a story about Joseph
the prophet from the Quran.
One scene is exactly like the holy book.
Potiphar's wife is alone in the room.
I will cast Hediyeh Tehrani to play it.
Joseph enters the room.
I will cast Par sa Pirooz far to play him, he has green eyes.
Potiphar's wife tries to flirt and pick up Joseph.
Joseph tries to run away.
Potiphar's wife grabs Joseph by his shirt, causing it to rip.
Suddenly Potiphar enters the room.
I will cast Sharifinia to play him.
Would you give me permission to make this?
Listen, the holy book is a miracle.
You can't imitate the miracle to the letter.
You have to take inspiration from it.
Would you give permission or not?
You are not listening to me.
You are doing a Quranic adaptation.
You can't translate it word for word into a story.
So you are not issuing permission?
You are not listening to what I am saying.
- You are not issuing the permission. - You are not listening at all.
Listen to me for a minute.
The father is not beating the mother anymore.
And the Mother is not going to the hospital.
Therefore, she is not killed.
No Murder has taken place.
Okay, that's good.
Just a little tiny issue.
The police character is portrayed negatively.
No, he is a multidimensional character.
He has good sides and bad sides.
It's great that he is multidimensional.
We like that.
But show his other dimensions too.
What other dimensions would you like me to show?
Come on! You might want me to write the script for you?
Mehri
Excuse me, sir.
Hello.
Yes, how can I help you, ma'am?
They brought your dog here?
Yes.
- Who brought it? - Your colleagues.
My colleagues don't bring dogs here.
You must be mistaken.
They said they were taking it to the police station of district 10
They were two policemen and they had a motorbike.
How is it even possible to ride a motorbike with a dog?
My dog is small.
They put the dog in between themselves
and in front of my eyes, they took my little babe.
Did they say they were taking it to this police station?
Yes. They said they are collecting animals from the city.
Police do not have such an operation right now.
Are you saying that walking dogs are allowed again?
No, I am not saying that is allowed.
But right now the police do not have any plan to take the pets.
So who took my baby?
I don't know ma'am. They could be from many organizations
Where should I go now?
I don't know ma'am.
I beg you, please.
Isn't this a police station?
If you don't help me, then who will?
They took my dog by force.
That dog means everything in my life.
Please, I beg you. Help me to find it.
Ma'am, in this city, if someone gets lost,
they can not be found.
And you are looking for a dog?
I beg you. Please help me,
Oh, man. Why are you crying, ma'am?
At least tell me Where to look for her?
You know dogs are impure.
They are illegal. Police will catch them.
Go get yourself another pet to keep your company.
What do you mean impure?
They have taken away my dog, and I should go get another pet?
Yes, go get a canary.
It will sing for you, it's cheaper and costs less to feed.
What good is a canary to me?
I don't know ma'am. Just go. Goodbye.
Goodbye!
Minoo! This was my baby!
Minoo! My baby!
I am here darling
You see! My baby is here
Minoo! Don't be scared, mommy is here.
Stop shouting!
I said your dog is not here.
Yes, I call him and he answers me/
- It's not your dog. Don't shout. - It is here. Minoo!.
Don't shout!
I said it's not your dog! Stop shouting Minoo!
I am calling him and he is answering me!
Why are you lying to me?
You took my dog, and it's dying of fear.
Ma'am, this is a police dog!
Since when the police are using Chihuahuas?
What is a Chihuahuas?
It's a small breed of dog. Like this!.
This is no Chihuahuas, or Minoo.
This is a German Shepherd.
Its bark sounds like a hen, and you are telling me it's a German Shepherd?
What nonsense is that!
I'm not leaving until I get my dog
Okay. It will only cause trouble for yourself.
I don't care.
I'll stay right here until I find my dog.
Minoo!
Don't be scared, baby!
Look, she is here!
Oh, my. Aren't you gonna give up?
What color was your dog?
White.
Well, it's not your dog.
But he is answering when I am calling him.
Wait a minute.
Nader, bring the small one that has been barking all morning.
Is this your dog?
Oh my God. No.
But it was responding when I was calling my dog.
This guy has been howling all morning.
He answers whatever you call him. Minoo!
Ronaldo!
He just howls.
I'm so sorry. I called you a liar.
Go to the police station in the second District before noon.
They collect the dogs at 2 PM.
I went there earlier. They said it's not there.
I really don't know. Goodbye.
Ma'am!
Come here for a moment.
Do you want to take this dog instead of your own?
No, dear. I must find my own dog.
I can't take someone else's dog
Not much time is left until noon.
They'll take all the dogs away.
Do a good deed.
If your own dog is found, he will have a playmate!
What about his owner?
If they show up, I'll give them your number.
Can you please take another look
if there is another small dog back there?
There are no more small dogs.
Take this one. It's the right thing to do.
Okay.
Save my cell phone number.
- Do you have a car? - Yes, I parked it right in front of the building.
Park it in the alley next to the pastry shop
I will bring the dog there.
Terrestrial Verses
A Film by Ali Asgari Alireza Khatami
Producer Ali Asgari Milad Khosravi
Co-Producers Alireza Khatami Cyrus Neshvad Reyhaneh Rad
Cast Majid Salehi, Gohar Kheirandish, Farzin Mohades
Cast Sadaf Asgari, Hossein Soleimani, Faezeh Rad, Bahram Ark
Voices Babak Karimi, Behnaz Jafari, Sara Bahrami, Reza Behboudi
Voices Tofigh Heidari, Ali Asgari, Alireza Khatami
Director of Photography Adib Sobhani
Editor Ehsan Vaseghi
Sound Designer Alireza Alaviyan
Composer Masoud Fayazzadeh
Set Designer Hamed Aslani
Make-up Artist Mehdi Sayad
Sound Recordist Abdolreza Heydari Iman Bazyar
Costume Designer Morvarid Kashiyan
Visual Effects Kamyar Shafipour
First AD Iman Tavakoli
Colorist Farbod Jalali
Production Manager Mohammad Askari