Afshin Ghaffarian risks everything to start a dance company amidst his home country of Iran's politically volatile climate and the nation's ban on dancing.
Director:
Richard Raymond
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Title: Desert Dancer (2014)
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2 nominations.
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Cast
| Credited cast: | |||
| Nazanin Boniadi | ... | Parisa Ghaffarian | |
| Freida Pinto | ... | Elaheh | |
| Marama Corlett | ... | Mona | |
| Tom Cullen | ... | Ardavan | |
| Simon Kassianides | ... | Sattar | |
| Neet Mohan | ... | Javadi, Naser | |
| Reece Ritchie | ... | Afshin Ghaffarian | |
 |
Bamshad Abedi-Amin | ... | Mehran |
|
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Davood Ghadami | ... | Basij Leader |
| Akin Gazi | ... | Farid Ghaffarian | |
| Tolga Safer | ... | Stephano | |
| Makram Khoury | ... | Mehdi | |
| Mourad Zaoui | ... | The student | |
| Richard David-Caine | ... | Teymour / Trinculo | |
| Alex Klaus | ... | Minder 1 (as Alex Claus) | |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
A film based on an incredible true story. Desert Dancer is a classic hero story about brave young people risking their lives to rebel against their government and fight for their dreams. Set in Iran, where it is currently forbidden to dance, the story follows Afshin Ghaffarian and his friends who despite the dangers form an underground dance company where, via hacking into YouTube, they learn from the very best - Michael Jackson, Pina Bausch, Gene Kelly and Rudolf Nureyev. Reveling in the freedom of expression that dance gives them, they set upon putting on a performance deep in the desert, away from the watchful eyes of the military police. Written by Anonymous
Taglines:
Freedom Takes Courage. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug material and violence | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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(Steve Mackey (as Mackey), M.I.A. (as Arulpragasam), Justine Frischmann (as Frischmann))
Performed by M.I.A.
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Did You Know?
Trivia
There is a misspelled word in the big banner the protesters carry in front of them See more »Soundtracks
Galang(Steve Mackey (as Mackey), M.I.A. (as Arulpragasam), Justine Frischmann (as Frischmann))
Performed by M.I.A.
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Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
22 April 2016 (UK) See more »Also Known As:
Until I Rise See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$4,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend USA:
$40,763, 12 April 2015Gross USA:
$155,271Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$438,165Company Credits
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IMDbPro »
This was a very well made film! After watching the movie, I learned a lot about Iran and their views on dancing.
Pretty intense!
The boy who played the role of Afshin Ghaffarian, the dancer, did an amazing job. Frieda Pinto also played a role in this movie, and was interesting to learn about her character. Everyone had their specific role in the movie, telling the story of what really happens there.
Its a very wild thought to think about what it would be like to live away from home, and the type of lifestyle some people see in the middle east, where this takes place.
If you like interesting stories that are true, you will love this movie!
Hands down one of the more interesting movies i have ever seen.