At Five in the Afternoon (2003)

The first Iranian film made in Afghanistan after the defeat of the Taliban can’t help but be political, but there’s a woman’s story at the heart of it, so even though most Western viewers will lack the specific knowledge needed to appreciate it fully the universal language of film translates enough for it to be enjoyed by everyone.

Nogreh dreams of becoming President, but tradition dictates that women should not be educated for roles that are the preserve of men. If she wishes to attend school she must do so in secret.

The bickering and study of poverty border on vérité, but there's an almost magical quality, too, for despite the weight of tragedy that pervades, an echo of hope accompanies each of Nogreh’s high-heeled steps.

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