Revolution, violence and religious fanaticism are the images that Iran has been reflecting on the world for more than two decades. Yet in the midst of today's turmoil how can we forget that one of the oldest nations in history took root in Iran? Twenty-three years after the advent of the Islamic Revolution, this country, which is once again prey to history's turbulence, is on the road to modernity. Faced with radical Islam advocated by the religious orthodoxy, the Iranian youth looks moretoward the West and exposes itself to the winds of globalisation. It no longer finds its place in the religious revolution of the older generation.

Iran, Veiled Appearances is a portrait of a socially and culturally fractured society. The filmmaker's eye finds itself divided there and gives rise to a film as multifaceted and kaleidoscopic as the country in which the religious fervour of some contrasts with the desire for liberty of others. After having asserted their desire for change during the presidential elections, the Iranians are now duped in their slight conquests by the power of the most conservative Islamists. This power has a firm grip on the army and the media and doesn't think twice about resorting to political murder.

Grand Prize, 2002 Creation Documentary Festival (France)

2002 Joseph Plateau Prize for Best Belgian Documentary