In 1992 a young Iranian student hanged himself on the outskirts of a small Ontario town. Having escaped the Ayatollah's regime and found a new home in Canada, he could not escape his past. In this film, Masoud Raouf documents the experiences of Iranian-Canadians - former political prisoners like himself - who were active in the Iranian democratic movement and continue to struggle with the past.
For more background information about this film, please visit the NFB.ca blog.
Ages 16 to 17
Civics/Citizenship - Human Rights
Family Studies/Home Economics - Feminism
History and Citizenship Education - Culture and Currents of Thought (1500-present)
Social Studies - Contemporary Issues
After viewing and research, have students of drama, writing, contemporary society, and history create poetry, performance, or multi-media presentations on themes of revolution, immigration, activism, and loss. Have students of film and media studies study techniques for effective political storytelling, and the power of documentary film to effect change. Students of Middle Eastern Studies can explore the history of Iran and contrast it with contemporary Middle Eastern political events.