Dr. Akrami is the former editor of the Iranian film magazines Film Art and Film Quarterly and is working on a documentary about Abbas Kiarostami. Mr. Panahi's bravery arises from the bracing conviction that it is necessary and possible for an artist simply to tell the truth.
Women hide behind parked cars, dart into alleyways, hastily throw on chadors to cover their faces.
They seem to be in flight, but from what threat and to what refuge remains elusive. Only gradually do we come to understand they have spent some time in prison. Women in modern-day Iran are not allowed to travel alone or without the permission of a male relative. They need permission to have an abortion. Even the solo female voice is banned from radio.