The Accordion by Jafar Panahi (English subtitles)

Shot on the streets of Tehran this short film, directed by Jafar Panahi, tells the story of two young buskers who play the accordion and the tablas to earn their keep. One day, while they are playing next to a mosque, their precious accordion is taken from them and a desperate chase ensues. Part of the ’Art for the World’ collection this film is a reflection on the themes of tolerance, non violence and respect for differences as inspired by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion“. It suggests that the future lies in solidarity over conflict. The short has particular significance given the recent sentencing of director Jafar Panahi to six years in prison accompanied by a 20 year ban on directing and producing films. The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival expresses its unwavering support for Jafar Panahi and his filmmaking colleague Mohammad Rasoulof in the face of this oppression and