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What happens when a teenage girl in one of the world's most culturally repressive nations decides that she wants to be an astronaut?
While most young Iranian women face a predictable future within the confines of a conservative Muslim culture, adolescent Sepideh Hooshyer dares to dream of outer space. Inspired by Albert Einstein and Anousheh Ansari, the first Iranian in space, Sepideh spends her days studying and her nights stargazing, with the aim of entering the local astronomy competition. But as her family struggles to accept her out-of-this-world ambition, will reality dash her hopes or will she find a way to reach the stars?
In her debut film, Berit Madsen follows Sepideh over two years, quietly observing her stubbornness, tenacity and willingness to fight for what she wants; and with the film's breathtaking shots of the star-filled night skies, it's easy to see why she's so determined.
"Everything is in perfect alignment for this extraordinary feature … this is one beautiful, emotional and intelligent coming-of-age film." – Nonfics