Though serious taboos in Iran’s oppressive theocratic state, sex, drugs, and prostitution are still a part of everyday life, inspiring the directorial debut of German-Iranian filmmaker Ali Soozandeh.

The story is about three women and one man struggling to survive in modern-day Iran- one character, a prostitute, is even forced to give a blowjob to a truck driver with her child in the backseat.

Aside from shock value and sharp social commentary, the film has the look of a moving graphic novel, combining rotoscoping and motion capture of live actors. For a film with unforgiving sensibilities and unique visuals, Tehran Taboo makes for an unforgettable cinematic experience.

This program screened as part of KLIK Amsterdam Animation Festival 2017