Matarsak or Scarecrow is a film about Lida, a dancer who has retreated from the world and has spent her years in silence and isolation. She takes refuge in a remote village. There she has turned herself into a scarecrow in a rice field. However, the arrival of a street singer rekindles her love for dancing.

The film has been directed by Houchang Allahyari and Babak Behdad.

The music of the film has been composed by Saba Nadaei.

The cast of the film consists of Zahra Miri (Lida), Zeinab Shabani (Rural Woman), and Massod Nameni Sani (Masood).

“The Islamic Republic came to power, and they stopped dancing or singing in films. This was not the case before. The film highlights freedom of expression. However, we have not received much help from the government for making this film,” said director Babak Behdad.

Babak also shared that street musicians in Iran need a license to perform on the streets. Though there is no written rule about this, most people have to conform to this rule. Only male street musicians can get the license. This license is not permitted for the women performers. With the change in time, young people now perform on the streets without a license.

The director mentioned that the Bollywood film Sholay is very popular in Iran.

Matarsak or Scarecrow was screened as part of the International Competition: Innovation in Moving Images at the 31st KIFF.

The film is 83 minutes.

Priyanka Dutta