Baleiro Bala

A middle-aged man attempts to buy a shotgun to protect himself from his landlord, but his search leads him to a pawn shop where he encounters a young woman who is also in financial distress. As they talk, they reveal more about their struggles and the societal pressures they face.

Jafar Panahi's 'Baleiro Bala' is a stark and intimate portrayal of the economic hardships and societal anxieties affecting ordinary Iranians. The film has been praised for its subtle yet powerful storytelling and Panahi's signature directorial style, which blends realism with a touch of melancholic observation.

• A poignant and observant character study.

• Panahi masterfully captures the quiet desperation of his characters.

• Thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Google audience: Audiences appreciate the film's realistic depiction of everyday struggles and its compelling performances, finding it to be a moving and impactful cinematic experience.

Nominated for the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival.

Jafar Panahi directed the film under a self-imposed ban from making movies, which was imposed by the Iranian authorities.