Overruled (1) • Directed by Farnaz and Mohammadreza Jurabchian • 2016 • Afghanistan

Overruled follows four Afghan refugees who work as ball boys in Tehran’s tennis clubs. Eventually they become tennis players and instructors, but right before an upcoming tournament, these Afghan athletes are informed that they are not permitted to compete.

At points in the film, the two directors interview these young Afghan individuals to find out about their perilous journey from Afghanistan to Iran. They view each of the athletes’ personal experiences with much sensitivity and sharp observation, and in so doing the directors unravel fragments of the refugees’ lives and their haunting stories of displacement.

This film, above all else, is staunch in its critique of the immense amount of racism directed toward Afghan people in Iran. One example of this comes in a scene in which some of the Afghan players have been deprived of participating in matches due to their place of birth. Altogether, this film is a poignant reminder of the bigotry that lives strong in this claustrophobic society.

Part of Docunight Perspectives: Afghanistan.You can watch this and all our programs by becoming a member via Docunight.com

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