Shomareh 17 Soheila

Mahmoud Ghaffari's second feature film tackles issues that have not been in the center of attentionin Iranian cinema before. The film revolves around the character Soheila. She is an Iranian woman in her late 30s who is seeking someone to marry as soon as possible. The rather simple story is divided in sections, which in each Soheila encounters a marriage candidate, simultaneously her struggles as unmarried person in Iran, her intentions for marriage, some of her life story, her experience at a match finding center is revealed.

The minimalist nature of the film demands powerful acting. Zahra Davoudnezhad as the main character carries the film with her expressions, delivery and detailed acting. The believable characters and actings makes the story highly relatable, not only for single near midlife Iranian women but also for anyone who is experiencing loneliness.