Raving Iran: Two Iranian DJs Risk Their Lives to Play and Listen to Techno

A new documentary doing the film festival rounds, entitled Raving Iran, explores the world of the Iran’s underground techno scene and the risks promoters, DJs and techno fans in that Islamic country face.

The documentary, shot by Swiss filmmaker Susanne Regina Meures, highlights the difficult and seemingly singular lives of Anoosh and Arash, two local techno fans and DJs. Residing in the country’s capital of Tehran, the two DJs live under constant suppression from government laws that ban Western music, among other things. Their careers aren’t moving forward and they are constantly forced to keep their passion secret from local police. Those that violate these laws can face serious repercussions, as the story of six Iranian youths who were arrested for appearing in a viral video dancing to Pharrell’s ‘Happy’ tells: all involved were sentenced to jail time and 91 lashes each.

Tired of the circumstances they face, they decide to, “organize one last manic techno rave under dangerous circumstances in the desert.” The documentary’s synopsis further explains, “back in Tehran they try their luck selling their illegally printed music album without permission. When Anoosh is arrested, there seems to be no hope left. But then they receive a phone call from the biggest techno festival in the world. Once landed in Switzerland, the haze of the instant euphoria evaporates quickly when the seriousness of the situation starts to dawn on them.”

The trailer offers a window into all the issues that the documentary seeks to underscore. It goes beyond techno and government laws, with the two DJs’ families and personal relationship coming under fire.

There is no release date for the documentary yes, but it is slated for play at a several film festivals throughout Europe, including the Iranian Film Festival in Zurich, as well as Hot Docs in Toronto. You can watch the trailer below and find more information on the film‘s website or Facebook page.

April 15-24 – Vision du Reel, Nyon
April 28 – May 8 – Hot Docs, Toronto
May 5-15 – DOK.fest, Munich
May 12-18 – Bel Docs, Belgrade
May 26-June 1 – Iranian Film Festival, Zurich