Documentary IR 2020, 60′
Director: Hadi Afarideh
Despite – or perhaps because of – religious and traditional prohibitions, the keeping of pets in the middle and upper classes of Iranian cities has taken on almost excessive proportions: Snakes, tarantulas, alligators, monkeys and even scorpions and cats of prey are kept behind closed doors. The phenomenon expresses love of animals, loneliness and a display of one’s own lifestyle and wealth; some young couples even prefer the pet to a baby. Unnoticed by the outside world – an anaconda doesn’t need to be walked – a veritable shadow economy has formed. Afarideh succeeds in creating a hilarious portrait of an Iranian parallel society.
Please note: Some scenes – including snake feeding – may not be suitable for sensitive viewers.
