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BIUFF — Berlin International Underground Film Festival
Poster for Daughters of Old Shiraz

No. 47 · Documentary Short

Daughters of Old Shiraz

Directed by Asal Marzieh Setayesh

Iran · 35 min

A true story of young women in Shiraz who stand against the demolition of their city's historic quarter — and through love, unity, and courage, save its living history.

Every film — Festival Pass

Streams 21 September 2026 to 28 September 2026, Berlin time. Every ticket is one Audience Award vote.

About the film

In the heart of Shiraz, where the walls still breathe poetry and history, a group of young women rise to protect the city's soul. Amid the narrow alleys of its ancient quarter, they restore crumbling houses, reviving the spirit of the past with their own hands. But when an official order for demolition threatens to erase this heritage, their devotion turns into a battle for identity. Led by a female filmmaker, these women launch a powerful movement — writing a public declaration, gathering signatures, and rallying the city's support. The camera follows their journey through fear, frustration, and hope, capturing the pulse of a quiet revolution. Against all odds, their perseverance leads to victory: the historic fabric of Shiraz is officially recognized and saved.

Runtime
35 min
Category
Documentary Short
Country
Iran

Stills

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Asal Marzieh Setayesh

Asal Marzieh Setayesh

Asal Setayesh (born in 1989 in Shiraz, Iran) is an Iranian documentary filmmaker, researcher, writer, and costume designer. She began her career in fashion design in 2009 and entered documentary filmmaking in 2013, focusing on documenting and preserving Iran's cultural heritage. As a filmmaker, Setayesh has directed and produced documentaries and series centered on Iran's intangible cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and local communities. Her works include the 12-episode series Persian Handicrafts, Entrepreneurs of the Hidden City, and the feature documentary Daughters of Old Shiraz.

Credits

Directed by
Asal Marzieh Setayesh

Daughters of Old Shiraz is part of the Official Selection of the BIUFF Founding Edition 2026.