Watch Desert Dancer

Desert Dancer is a movie that came out in 2014, and it is a true story about a young man named Afshin Ghaffarian who dreams of becoming a professional dancer in his home country of Iran. However, dance is illegal in Iran, and the government forbids it. As a result, Afshin and his friends are forced to practice in secret. Afshin's passion for dance began early in his childhood, as he watched his mother dance freely in the privacy of their home. Despite his father's disapproval and the government's restrictions on artistic expression, Afshin perseveres and eventually finds a way to pursue his dream.

He meets a group of fellow dancers who share his passion, and they begin practicing and performing in secret. However, when their underground dance group is discovered by the authorities, they are arrested and forced to face the consequences of their rebellion.

The movie focuses on Afshin's struggle to find himself and express his creativity in a society that does not value individuality. It also highlights the power of dance as a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others.

Nazanin Boniadi plays the role of Elaheh, a fellow dancer who inspires and challenges Afshin to push himself beyond his limits. She is a skilled dancer who has trained abroad and brings a new level of artistry to their group.

Freida Pinto plays the role of Banafsheh, an outspoken political activist who is passionate about fighting for freedom of expression. She becomes a mentor to Afshin and helps him navigate the dangerous political climate of Iran.

Tom Cullen plays the role of Ardavan, Afshin's best friend and fellow dancer. He is a loyal and reliable friend who supports Afshin through all of his struggles.

The movie is set against the backdrop of the Iranian Green Movement, a series of protests and demonstrations that erupted in 2009 following a disputed presidential election. The government crackdown on these protests further highlights the repressive nature of the regime and underscores the importance of artistic expression as a means of resistance.

Desert Dancer is a powerful and poignant film that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to transcend political oppression. It is a story of hope, courage, and the determination to pursue one's dreams no matter what obstacles may arise.

Desert Dancer is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 49.