021

Contrary to what is often thought outside of Iran, the country is at times very modern and there is a very lively cultural scene despite the hundreds of bans and restrictions. Although we will focus primarily on Iran's underground music scene, our intention is to give an insight into wider Iranian society and culture. It is quite possible in the chaos and noise of the colorful capital, to come across scenes that would not be out of place in Berlin's Kreuzberg or Paris's 20th arrondissement.

Our film is named after Tehran's area code 021, which has become a symbol of the city's underground music scene because it is often used allegorically in texts. So far, little is known in the West about this movement and about the relentless struggle that young musicians and their fans face on a daily basis. Bands not only have to find places to perform but also to rehearse, and also the right time. Often rehearsals take place when the musicians' "respectable" neighbors are at work, in the late morning for instance.

Moreover, while the bands sometimes do have a surprisingly big fan-base thanks to word of mouth and social media platforms such as Facebook, others are unable to promote themselves. Potential fans do not have access to music which can have a huge impact on people in a country where homosexuality and infidelity are punishable by death and citizens' lives are controlled down to the slightest detail. Thus, the bands are not only struggling for the right to play and listen to music but for the rights for freedom of speech.

Our film will pay tribute to the musicians' courage and raise awareness about their work and lives.

Our aim is to depict how Tehran's young musicians pursue their dreams, create bands and perform illegally at concerts while displaying a huge degree of energy, defiance, sophistication, perseverance, idealism and at the same time having fun. We want to look at the risks that they take, to examine the repression that they are confronted with, and understand how they get through the ups and downs of life.

We have no age restrictions - we want our film to reach music fans all over the world. We want to introduce them to musicians who have not had any commercial success or state accolades but for whom making music is a way of life. We also want viewers to gain an insight into what life is like for young Iranians today. The film is also aimed at the millions of Iranians who live in the diaspora.

Because it's about music and much more! And because Iran's young musicians should and want to be heard.

Because 021 will pay tribute to the courage, strength and never-ending efforts of people to live their lives in freedom despite all the obstacles.

Because 021 will show an unfamiliar side of Iranian society, portraying the lives and work of musician and examining their feelings, dreams and desires for the future...

Because the film will help to fight prejudice and will raise sympathy, since music is one of the most beautiful binding elements between people. Moreover, music made in Tehran rocks - whatever the genre!

Because the film will not only help the musicians and the country, but will also benefit the viewers who will learn from the courage and engagement of the young Iranians portrayed.

It will pay for a 4-5-week research trip to Tehran for us (the director and producer), during which we will make contact with some underground musicians, who could potentially be reluctant to cooperate because of the risks involved, and build up a relationship of trust. We will find the right characters and make a ca. 15 min. shortfilm.