“Impasse” (2023) is a powerful documentary directed by Rahmaneh Rabani and Bahman Kiarostami that delves into the rising religious and political conflicts within a single family in Tehran. The film, running for 89 minutes and presented in Persian with English subtitles, offers a microcosmic view of the broader societal tensions in contemporary Iran.
The narrative centers on Rahmaneh Rabani, who was raised in an ultra-conservative household. Until the age of twenty-two, she adhered strictly to her family’s beliefs, wearing the full veil and practicing her faith devoutly. A crisis of faith in her early twenties, however, set her on a divergent path, particularly straining her relationship with her father, Haj Akbar, a fervent supporter of the Iranian government shaped by his experiences during the revolution and the Iran-Iraq war.
The death of Mahsa Jina Amini in 2022, a tragic incident involving Iranian authorities, spurred Rabani to participate in nationwide anti-regime protests. Amidst this upheaval, she began documenting her candid and emotionally charged conversations with her family. Produced in collaboration with Bahman Kiarostami, “Impasse” captures these interactions with remarkable honesty, portraying the ideological divide within her family—most of whom remain loyal to the government and its mandatory hijab laws.
Through its intimate portrayal of Rabani’s exchanges with her parents, siblings, nieces, and in-laws, “Impasse” offers a tense and moving exploration of Iranian society at a pivotal moment. The film stands out for its unflinching look at personal and political conflicts, providing a rare window into the domestic discourse that often remains hidden from public view.
The movie will premiere on Sunday, June 30, at Anthology Film Archives.