Asghar Farhadi has arguably been a household name in world cinema since his 2011 breakout “A Separation.” But despite winning a Best International Feature Film Oscar for that movie, and doing so again for 2016’s “A Salesman,” Farhadi’s earlier films have never received a North American release. Until now, that is.
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Farhadi’s debut film, 2003’s “Dancing In The Dust,” gets its first-ever release in the US, Mexico, and Canada today. The release features a director-approved 2K digital restoration courtesy of Film Movement Classics. But Farhadi’s first feature doesn’t receive a theatrical release; instead, it premieres on streaming platforms today, so search for it and see if it’s on one of several options.
“Dancing In The Dust” centers on a family who pressures their son Nazir to divorce his wife after rumors swirl about the bride’s mother. But paying back the marriage dowry leads the naive Nazir far from his family to correct the situation.
Here’s an official synopsis for “Dancing In The Dust”:
Shortly following their impulsive wedding, the naive, young Nazar is pressured by his family into divorcing his new wife, Reyhane, after rumors circulate of her mother’s possible sex-work. Still deeply in love, he insists on paying back Reyhane’s marriage dowry despite his insolvency. Nazar is soon on the run from creditors and finds himself hiding out in the desert where he meets a taciturn old snake hunter. Much to the man’s chagrin, Nazar insists on working with the hunter until he earns enough money to return to the city and make good on his mistakes.
Farhadi’s debut stars Faramarz Gharibian, Yousef Khodaparast, Baran Kosari, Jalal Sarhad Seraj, and Saeed Noorullahi. Mitra Tabrizi and Nobar Ghanbarian round out the main cast.
Check out a trailer for “Dancing In The Dust” below.
