THE CIRCLE
a film by Jafar Panahi
with
Nargess Mamizadeh Maryam Parvin Almani
Mojghan Faramarzi Elham Saboktakin
Minou Arab Maede Tahmasabi
Maryam Shayegan Khadije Moradi
Neghar Ghadyani Solmaz Panahi
and
Fereshteh Sadr Orafai Fatemeh Naghavi
Assistant Producer: Ahmad Moradi
Production Manager: Abolfazl Lale
Camera Operators: Amir Karimi
Mehrdad Lashgari
Set Director: Vajiollah Fariborzi
Make-up: Hemasse Maleki
Assistant Directors:
Fereshteh Sadr Orafai Ali Aghababai
Still Photographer: Ghogha Bayat
Titles: Mehdi Samakar
Sound Recordists:
Sassan Bagherpoor Ahmad Ardalan
Sound Engineer and Mixer: Medhi Dejbodi
Art Director: Iraj Raminfar
Line Producer: Morteza Motevali
Screenplay: Kambozia Partovi
Based on an Original Idea by: Jafar Panahi
Executive Producer: Parsiana Film
Director of Photography: Bahram Badakhshani
Produced, Directed and Edited by: Jafar Panahi
It's a girl!
Solmaz Gholami...
- Who's with Solmaz Gholami? - Me.
- Hello. - Hello, how are you?
Fine, thanks.
Congratulations, it's a girl.
- A girl? - Yes, a precious little girl.
- Yes? - Excuse me.
My daughter had a baby but I wasn't told what it was.
No one told you?
- No. - I'll ask.
- It's an adorable little girl. - A girl?
- Yes. - Are you sure?
But the ultrasound said it would be a boy.
That happens sometimes.
The in-laws will be furious. They'll insist on a divorce.
They want a boy. My poor daughter...
Everything will be just fine.
- Hello. Congratulations. - Thank you.
Hello.
I'm sorry I'm late. They just called.
How's our little boy?
- We don't know anything. - Since last night?
- No news. - Then let's ask.
Excuse me. Solmaz Gholami hasn't given birth yet?
Of course. It's a little girl.
But they were expecting a boy!
Are you sure?
Yes, it's a girl.
Where are you going?
Where were you? I looked everywhere.
- What's wrong? - It's a girl.
Does he know?
His whole family is upstairs. This won't be good.
They were waiting for a boy.
- Oh god. - My poor daughter!
Go tell your uncles.
- Right away. - Hurry.
Excuse me.
Do you have some change?
- No. - Thanks anyway.
- There's no answer. - So what do we do?
Marks? Dollars?
Who has the gold chain?
- Me. - Give me the number.
Hurry.
Wait here. I'll sell it and be right back.
You two alone?
- What did he say? - Nothing.
- Just hold on! - Arezou!
Moedeh!
What did you say back there?
- I'll teach you how to talk! - She's crazy.
Jerk!
Arezou!
They're arresting her!
Enough talk. Just come with us.
Keep moving. No stopping here.
Grey car, move along. You're in the way.
Keep moving.
How will we get out?
Keep the lane clear.
But we have exit passes!
So did she.
What do we do now?
What can we do?
We'll make a call.
- And my gold chain? - You can't get it back now.
Then how will we get to Roziliq?
We can't pay for the tickets.
Don't worry. I'll find a way.
- How much is a local call? - 2 tomans.
I'll take a token.
Give me one cigarette.
What kind?
One for 10 tomans.
There's no answer.
You can smoke out in the open. We'll get into trouble.
It's better not to smoke.
Let's go find Pari.
Good day, sir.
Do you know Abdullah's shop?
- Abdullah? - Yes.
What does he do?
I was only told he worked here.
- Which address? - Corner of Manoucheri.
There's no Abdullah here.
There's Abbas who sells paintings.
Majid, the antique dealer.
And Youssef, who sells ancient samovars.
- Are you sure? - I've been here for 40 years.
He has a daughter, Fereshteh. But they call her Pari.
No, doesn't ring a bell.
- What's his name again? - Abdullah.
There is that newsstand...
That guy's name is Abdullah. Check if that's him.
- Thank you. - It's nothing.
Wait here.
Arezou.
OK, you can go.
What are you doing?
Don't take that!
Wait until Abdullah gets back.
Please...
Don't take them away!
Please...
Let's go.
Do you have the address?
He didn't give me a straight answer.
The boss isn't even there.
I want to show you something.
- No, let's go. - Please.
Just a minute.
What is it?
Look, it's Raziliq. That's where I'm taking you.
See how beautiful. It's a real paradise!
The Sabalah hills.
And there's a river there.
If only we could get there!
We'd finally see the end of our troubles.
I used to play there with my brother.
The painter wasn't precise.
He forgot the pretty flowers here.
It's been closed for 6 months. The cheese has been stinking.
It's starting to get to us.
Do you know where he went?
- No. Does he owe you money? - No.
I have no news.
Everybody has been asking for him.
He must be on the run.
Thanks anyway.
We lost a whole day.
You think we'll ever leave?
We lost our chance.
Need a ride?
If only I could have a smoke!
There might be one other way.
Wait here. I'll be right back.
It's OK. Wait there.
- Hey, where were you? - Downstairs.
Everything OK?
Hassan!
Yes?
- Where are you going? - I'll be right back.
Why did you go away?
You took so long!
I spent 10 minutes looking for you.
- So? - I got some money.
From who?
From a relative?
- Who do you mean? - That guy!
Were you able to smoke?
No, there wasn't time.
We've got to go. You'll be late.
Here!
There's the money.
- Take this, too. - What about you?
- I'm not going. - Why not?
I can't. No talk, just go.
- But we made a promise... - I just can't go.
- Not without you. - No more questions.
Go on, hurry. You'll miss the bus.
- But why? - Hurry and get to the station.
Get in, hurry.
Go on, honey. And don't forget:
at the end of the line, you look for the station.
Go on. Bye.
Go on, get in!
- What now? - I have to know.
It's none of your business.
You're going to miss the bus.
You went through hell to get that money.
I just can't go.
I got seared when I touched that money.
- Scared of what? - They might not want me.
Two years in prison and no one came to see me.
What about your son?
I don't know where he is or even if he's alive.
Seeing me again might be too much for him.
Go on or you'll miss the bus.
Come with me.
I can't.
- Everywhere is the same! - No. It's paradise over there.
I just need some time.
I couldn't handle seeing that your paradise might not exist.
You'll be late.
Go on, please.
And don't forget:
look for the station at the end of the line.
OK? Take care of yourself.
What is it now?
You, too. Take care.
Go on, now.
Be careful.
Excuse me, where can I get a ticket for Sarah?
Sarah? It must be Counter 15 or 16.
Sarab, that's west...
West of Azerbaijan.
I think it's Counter 3.
- Thanks. - It's nothing.
I would like a ticket for Sarah.
It's the last bus.
No more seats.
I'm in a hurry.
- It's full. - Not one seat?
Not one free seat.
Check again.
- Please check for one seat. - None.
- Except the back seats. - That's fine.
One seat in the back.
Name?
Nargess Mamizadeh from Raziliq.
- How old are you? - 18.
Are you traveling alone? Where's your student ID?
I don't have it with me.
No ticket, then.
Please.
I'm not allowed to give tickets to women traveling alone.
You have to have a student ID or a companion.
- I must get home. - ID or companion.
- I don't have it. - That's your problem, not mine.
- Come on, just this once... - I can't.
Please, I really must go.
Are you really a student?
- I could get into trouble. - I really am.
- Really? - Yes.
Ok, I'll give you a ticket.
You said Nargess Mamizadeh?
Nargess Mamizadeh...
- From Raziliq. - That's OK.
Are you sure you're a student?
Yes.
Here. Pay the cashier then go to the departure area.
How much is it?
1,120 tomans.
Where are the departures?
At the bottom of the stairs.
You'll see the bus.
Nir and Sarab, 6:30 departure!
- For Sarah? - Yes. Go right in.
- Where do I sit? - In the back!
Nir and Sarab, 6:30 departure! Now boarding!
- When do we leave? - In 10 minutes.
I'll be back in 5 minutes.
Be on time. I won't wait.
- Be right back. - Hurry.
Can I see the shirt in the window?
Show me which one.
- The white with the topstitch. - The red stitch.
That's the latest style.
Made in Turkey. Best quality.
Top of the line!
It's a gorgeous shirt. Very nice model.
You won't be disappointed.
How much is it?
Let's make the choice first. What size?
For a 19-year-old.
OK, but skinny or fat?
Small or large?
You forgot your boyfriend's size?
Women are all the same. Short-term memories!
Even women with your good taste...
You can even exchange it, if it doesn't fit.
How much is this blouse?
God has sent you this gentleman!
- Come in. - How much is it?
- Come in... - I'm looking for a blouse.
Come in. Don't block the entrance.
Come in and I'll show you.
Where are you from?
From Kharamabad.
- And you? - From Tabriz.
Let's check your neck size.
- What for? - Just a measurement.
Is your boyfriend like him?
Are they the same size?
Let's see.
- I'm looking for a blouse. - It's for her, not you.
Is it the right size?
Take a good look.
Sorry to bother you.
Mehdi, tend to the gentleman.
- How much? - For you, nothing.
5,200, but your price is mine.
That's not much.
As long as you're happy.
Would you like it giftwrapped?
Yes, please.
I can show you our latest styles.
Here's 5000 tomans, with 200 off.
Which one will it be?
This one? Very good.
What size?
- Like the lady... - The one who just left?
The 6:30 bus for Sarah!
Can I help you?
- It's upstairs. - Thanks. I know.
Is anyone there?
Are you looking for someone?
- Is Arezou here? - Arezou?
Maryiam... Maryiam Parvin from Jerman.
Is she German?
No, it's a village in the north.
There's no one here by that name.
So Arezou isn't here?
Who is Arezou?
You brought her something to drink.
She left a long time ago.
- Where to? - I don't know.
Hello?
Is Abdullah here?
No, he's not.
- When will he be back? - I don't know.
What do you want with him?
I'm looking for Pari, his daughter.
Are you alone?
She told me I could find her here.
Another woman was looking for her, too.
She wanted to speak to her.
That was my friend. I was waiting over there.
So you have her address?
At the end of the street, the second alley.
30 Sirus Ghorbanipoor.
- What street? - Sirus Ghorbanipoor, number 30.
Thanks very much.
- Yes? - Hello.
- What is it? - Is Pari there?
- What? - I'm looking for Pari.
- What for? - I'm her friend.
Her friend?
We were released from prison today.
- Were you at my newsstand? - Yes.
Go back where you came from, tramp!
Why did they let you out? Prison is where you belong.
Go back there. And consider Pari dead!
You're pathetic!
Why did you ever leave?
It won't be easy on the outside. You should have just stayed in.
- What? - Open the door, Father!
Hush. The neighbors will hear.
Open up!
- We're not going anywhere. - Stop it...
When did she get out?
- This morning. - And I'm only finding out now?
Let me in. Move aside, Father.
Stop it!
I'm not going to hurt her.
I just want to speak to her.
Calm down!
Just move aside, Father.
I won't hurt her.
Her friends went looking for her at the newsstand.
Hassein told me about it.
He was supposed to let me know if anyone asked for her address.
She's here. But how could they let her out?
Mohammed!
Abbas!
Don't let her get away!
She'll never set foot in this house...
as long as she lives.
Pari, wait up!
- To the circle, Hossein. - Get in.
Mother asked me to bring your bag.
- Thanks. - Your cigarettes.
- What's this? - I want you to have it.
I don't want your money.
Be good and go home.
- Where about exactly? - The Morad Cinema.
I'll drop you at the circle. It's right next door.
Fine.
Are you all right?
It's nothing.
Try and get UP-
Do you need help?
I'll be fine. Thanks.
Ticket, please.
I've come to see one of your employees.
- Who? - Monir.
- She's in the booth. - Thank you.
Monir!
Pari! What are you doing here?
- I don't want to bother you... - No, I'm so happy to see you.
Let her in!
Excuse the mess.
Don't worry.
When did you get out?
This morning.
Weren't you supposed to get out 8 months ago?
I was released but put back in because of some charges.
Charges against you?
I've got quite a file.
- That's behind you now. - No.
- And why not? - I escaped.
How did you manage?
I snuck out with a group.
But why?
I have something to take care of.
Well, tell me...
- Are you OK? - Yes, I'm fine.
I'm looking for Elham. Do you have any news?
- Elham? - Elham Saboktokin.
The one that got 5 years. For what, we never knew.
- That pseudo-student? - Yes.
She came by to see me last year.
- One, please. - Here you go.
She said she was getting married.
It's always the same with her.
I never saw an invitation or heard from her again.
- She still works in a hospital? - I guess so.
Which one?
I can drop you off. It's on my way.
Is your husband coming by for you?
He's a company chauffeur. Always on the road!
One month here, six months away: Kashan, lsphahan...
What a lucky dog!
- Are you almost done? - Yes, come in.
She's Number Two!
- Your husband has a second wife? - Yes.
I found out when I got out of prison.
No one had told me anything.
At first, my own daughter was afraid of me...
and hid behind No. 2.
But she's a good lady, now that I got to know her.
She took care of my kids for 4 years.
She gave up a childcare job to take care of them.
But she's still a Number Two.
- May I? - Be my guest.
- I saw you had a visitor. - Thanks so much.
- Help yourselves. - Thank you.
Her name is Pari, too. Parvaneh, really.
I call her Pari in memory of you.
How are the kids?
The girls are at home, but no Ali.
- Where is he? - With a friend.
Him and his friends!
How much time you got left?
Quite a lot.
Is the guy out?
No.
So you're married?
How much time has he got?
He... he was executed.
When?
Three or four months ago.
You weren't able to see him again?
Oh, they gave us one last night.
M? god!
It's there.
Come to my place afterwards. I'll give you the address.
No.
I've got things to do with Elham.
Tell her I would have stopped by, too,
if not for the kids.
I'll tell her. Thanks.
Should I pick you up later?
No, it's OK. Thanks.
Pari!
Don't I owe you money?
No, why?
- I was so broke in prison! - No.
I can't remember who I owe.
You don't owe anything. Everyone loved you so.
Except Zari, but she quieted down.
- Sure you don't need money? - I'm fine, really.
Take care of yourself.
- Bye. - Bye.
I'm looking for Mrs. Saboktokin.
- Elham Saboktokin? - Yes.
- I don't think she's here. - Could you page her, please?
Elham Saboktokin to the information desk.
Dr. Kazeroi is in.
- No, I need to see her. - I'll check her time card.
She is here.
You should find her in Emergency.
Thank you.
Excuse me!
You'll have to wear a chador.
I didn't know. I don't have one.
It's mandatory.
What can I do?
Do you have an ID card?
I don't have that either.
- Who are you seeking? - Mrs. Saboktokin in Emergency.
Take this. But please return it.
Thank you so very much.
Pari!
- Hi. - Hi.
- How are you? - I'm fine.
I'm so happy to see you're out!
But it's not over yet.
Oh, really?
Come here.
How did you find me?
Monir told me how to find you.
Congratulations.
- What for? - Your marriage.
- Oh, thanks. - Who is he?
- Some relative? - No. He's a doctor here.
- A specialist? - Nose, ear and throat.
Over here.
The doctor is looking for you.
Thank you.
Have you heard from your parents?
Have a seat.
I haven't been back to Anzali.
Only once, when the doctor proposed.
To tell you the truth, I'm avoiding my family.
Are you happy?
Very much so.
The doctor is a good man. From a good family.
I have a life, a home.
He has a daughter from a previous marriage.
He's not old. His wife wasn't suitable.
They were relatives, but she was no good.
The doctor asked me several times...
to visit his family in Lahore.
- He's from Pakistan. - Really!
But I've never gone.
Why not?
And if they stopped me at the border?
He knows nothing about my past.
I'm so afraid he'll find out.
How you've changed!
What did you say?
- Yes? - Elham.
Coming!
- Yes? - Are you alone?
- No one is here. - Did you just arrive?
Mahin couldn't get to sleep.
- You were paged. - I know. It was nothing.
Are you coming home soon?
I'm just finishing up.
Mahin didn't get to bed?
I managed to get her to sleep.
- Don't be long. I need you. - I'm coming.
Wait here.
Listen, I need your help.
What for?
I'm pregnant.
Pregnant?
But you aren't married.
I need an abortion.
I've tried a few places, but I've had no luck.
- How long? - Nearly four months.
They all want the husband's permission,
our ID cards...
And the pregnancy is too far advanced.
I said my husband was dead.
Now they want both our fathers' approval.
I don't know what to do.
I don't know where to go.
Wait right here. I'll be right back.
- Excuse me. - Yes?
I'm looking for Mrs. Saboktokin.
- She's in Emergency. - No, she's with Dr. Kazemi.
Dr. Kazemi is in Ward 3.
Thank you.
- What are you doing here? - I couldn't stay over there.
Well, you can't stay near this door.
- I was looking for you. - Did my husband see you?
I wanted to see him.
I wanted to see your pride and joy.
You should have waited back there.
I don't have much time.
Go to the cloakroom. I'll peek in, then join you.
My child, my child is gone!
My god, my child is dead!
Mrs. Saboktokin, please?
- Please call Mrs. Saboktokin. - She's busy.
- It's urgent. - She's busy.
A suicide. Just arrived.
- What happened? - I don't know.
But if she survives,
the family scandal will tell all.
- How did it happen? - We don't know yet.
- For what reason? - How should I know?
What am I going to do?
I don't know. I don't know anyone.
With all the doctors here!
Who would accept? You know as well as me...
a first pregnancy, and already 4 months...
without the father's permission and documents!
Who could accept?
Your husband.
He's a doctor. He knows people.
How could I ask him? Who would I say you were?
What about the husband's consent?
What would I tell him?
You never smoked before.
Now, yes.
This is a hospital. It's not allowed in here.
I feel like it.
I haven't been able to smoke all day.
Sometimes I even chew tobacco.
Your dinner will get cold.
I don't want any.
Take this. You might need it.
There's nothing I can do.
Where will you go?
I'll call you if I think of something.
Forget it.
My husband knows nothing about my past.
Not him, not the hospital...
You made him curious. He already asked who you were.
I'm so sorry!
Do you remember thinking that I didn't like you much?
Well, I never hated you.
Not even now.
But how you've changed so much!
Come on, answer!
Excuse me.
- Do you have some change? - Here.
Could you dial it for me? I'd be grateful.
Of course.
What's the number?
If it's a man, ask for Zahra. If not, pass her to me.
- Who do I say I am? - An old friend.
Hello? It's a child.
Ask for Zahra.
I would like to speak to Zahra.
Watch out for the patrol cars.
Hello.
How are you?
Your voice sounds strange.
Is your husband home?
You're the one who wanted that loser.
Now you're stuck with his brats.
I really miss you.
Why don't you ever come to see me?
Are you OK? Can I help?
I couldn't before.
Tonight I'm on neighborhood watch.
It's fine. No problem.
Can't you sneak out?
That's too bad, Mom!
How are the kids?
Do they get along with his kids?
I don't know if I'll be on duty Friday.
I promise.
If I can.
Isn't this for your child?
Thanks. You see, we found it.
We'll put it in here so we don't lose it again.
Do you know a hotel or guest house around here?
- Right over there. - Thank you.
- Where's your mother? - Don't know!
You don't know?
- Is this your bag? - Yes.
Why did you leave it here?
- Where's your mother? - Mommy?
I don't know where she is.
- Where did she go? - Don't know.
She left you all alone?
What did she tell you?
Be right back.
- What did she tell you to do? - To stay here.
Not to move from here?
Yes.
- Where did she go? - Don't know.
I want my mommy.
- I'm scared. - I'll find your mommy.
- Which way did she go? - Are you her mother?
- No. - I thought she was your child.
- Did you see the mother? - No, only the kid.
But the mother was just here. I saw her.
I was busy. I didn't see anything.
Don't cry. We'll find her.
That nice lady will find your mommy.
I want my mommy.
Watch her. I'll be right back.
Ma'am...
Got a cigarette?
Here.
- Got a light? - No.
Please, God, let a family take her in.
She'll be sick with grief.
It will take time, but she'll be fine.
She's so sweet. She'll find love.
All children are wonderful in the eyes of their parents!
Stop it or you'll make me change my mind.
My heart is breaking!
This is the third time I try to leave her.
I thought...
I'd never find the courage to abandon her.
Some family will find her.
And take her far away.
Somewhere that holds a future for her.
She'll be safe then.
God knows how I've suffered.
It isn't easy.
No mother can abandon her child without turning back.
No one has taken her yet.
Welfare will take care of her. She'll be better off.
How can you say that?
And what about you?
Why didn't you go into that hotel?
I might be looking for something else.
A guest house, whatever, wherever you go...
you'll need a passport or an official ID card.
Or police authorization.
Without a man, you can't go anywhere.
Probably... Go get your girl.
How about a lift?
Come on, get in.
What's going on?
Oh God, I'm in trouble.
Please do something. Say we're related.
Say that we're married.
My name is Nayereh and my daughter, Negar.
Registration papers.
Good evening, Hajji. How are you?
- How are things? - Good.
We have a little problem.
What's wrong?
They are not cooperating.
- See for yourself. - Let me by.
It's not what you think, Hajji.
So why did you get in the car?
Because you stopped.
That's not reason enough.
It was the first time.
Please let me go. I have a child.
Please, my little girl is alone on the street.
If I don't go now, I'll lose her.
It's all been a mistake.
It won't happen again. Please let me go.
Don't make things worse. The wagon is on its way.
I beg you.
Good evening, Hajji. How are you?
Registration papers and insurance.
It's all in order.
What's your relationship to her?
She's just a passenger.
- Miss, what happened here? - Ask your men.
- Are you related? - No.
- Did he make you get in? - No, I did it myself.
Why?
Will you pay the bills, honey?
Get rid of that gum and fix your shawl.
Please, Hajji.
You can see I'm not the type.
She could be my daughter. I was on my way home.
- Did you call home? - Why?
Your family left a message.
Photos of my family... and I have a workers' card.
She could be my daughter!
Hajji, please let me go. I beg you...
She was all alone on the street. I felt sorry for her.
I don't have time for that.
I work hard all day, then at night.
I try to make a little extra with this old heap.
Just to feed my family.
Please let me go.
Aren't you ashamed?
If there had been others, I would have taken them, too.
- Where were you coming from? - The station.
And she was all alone.
In this weather, there was no one else around.
Besides, it's not illegal.
Put that camera away!
They're taping this, Hajji.
- Are we in it? - Yes.
It's just a wedding video. It's won't be broadcast.
Let them go.
Thank you, Hajji. Let's go, guys.
This is my wife and my kid. It's not what you think.
She's only a passenger.
Please give me back my papers, sir.
Allow me to kiss your hand.
My documents, please. I must work tomorrow.
Consider my reputation.
Go home and stay out of trouble.
Thank you.
You see what you got me into?
You, in the wagon!
Move it!
Where are you from, my friend?
What's it to you? And you?
From Rharamshahr.
And your neighbor?
- From Abadan. - OK.
- Which part? - Bahman Shir.
Do you know Hassan Jashour?
- The soccer champion? - Yes.
Do you know Khalau Hassan?
Yes.
Is he still alive?
I don't know.
He's got a great voice. Have you heard him sing?
Yes.
Can you sing like him?
Sing a little. I'm feeling down.
Shut up! Where do you think you are?
Let him sing, chief. We've got the blues.
Put out that cigarette! No smoking in here.
Sorry, chief.
My friend here is depressed. He asked me to sing.
Sit down! Sit back down.
- How about lighting one up? - It's not allowed. I'm on duty.
The other soldier is asleep and that guy is my buddy.
The driver wants to smoke.
Go on, just a puff.
You'll let me know how you like it.
You're a good guy. I like you.
What kind of cigarette is this?
What's the difference? It's free!
They're lights!
There, I'll light you up. You're OK.
How about you, chief?
- Here you go. - No thanks. I don't smoke.
Go on. Try it... Your boss smokes.
- Go sit down. - OK.
Here's a cigarette for your friend.
He doesn't smoke.
- So light it up for me. - OK.
Here.
Thanks.
Get in there.
Go on!
Guard!
My medicine is in my bag.
Talk to the chief about it later.
Yes? Sorry, sir. I didn't know it was you.
At your service! Yes, of course.
Hold on.
Solmaz Gholami?
Is there a Solmaz Gholami?
You, the new one, is your name Solmaz Gholami?
No.
No, sir, she's not here.
I think she was transferred to Ward 5.
Anything else? Bye.