TWENTIETH CIRCUIT SUSPECTS
ORIGINAL TITLE: متهمین دایره بیستم
IRAN / 2018, 90 MINS / FULL HD / STEREO
DIRECTOR & PRODUCER: HESAM ESLAMI

In Hesam Eslami's gripping debut feature documentary, a stolen car leads to an unexpected journey of friendship and understanding. Over six years, Eslami intimately chronicles the lives of a teenage gang, revealing their dreams, fears, and the harsh realities they face. This powerful film not only sheds light on the struggles of marginalized youth but also challenges viewers to confront the societal forces that perpetuate cycles of violence and despair. Its raw and authentic narrative offers an eye-opening exploration of hope and redemption and a reflection on the resilience of the human spirit.

"Six years in the life of an adolescent crime gang that breaks into cars in the streets of Tehran." IMDB
"A film in which we see real crimes committed without the intervention of the police might in itself be enough of a reason to catch our interest ..." Modern Times Review
"After having his car stolen, director Hesam Eslami meets Ehsan, the leader of an adolescent crime gang that breaks into cars regularly. ..." Asia Society

FESTIVALS AND AWARDS:

International Documentary Award, Ethnocineca 2018 (Austria). Hot Docs 2017 (Canada), DOKfest Munich 2018 (Germany), Golden Apricot 2018 (Armenia), Victoria Film Festival 2018 (Canada), Crime and Punishment Film Festival 2018 (Turkey)