| The Land of Champions, directed by Maryam Ataei and Hossein Keshavarz, explores one of Iran’s oldest and most traditional sports, which takes place at a “house of power.” This sport is accompanied by the beating of drums and traditional singing in the worship of God. It is, indeed, a mixture of vigorous exercise and the affirmation of faith. Its importance does not necessarily relate to the sport as such, but in practicing it, the athletes foster a culture of brotherhood and community.
The ritual of this sport is based on respect and humanity, and in the ring where the athletes perform, there is always talk of God. Ataei and Keshavarz masterfully capture the essence of this sport, the philosophy behind it, and the history that surrounds it. |
