ARTE Distribution

At the very heart of the uprising in Iran, this investigation follows the current events closely and go over the multiple stages of this political revolution, by giving voice to actors of the movement and opponents in exile. The outcome is unknown, but people are fighting for a peaceful democracy and the end of the theocratic regime.

The current uprising in Iran has all the makings of a nascent revolution. After Mahsa Amini's arrest by the morality police and her death on September 16, 2022, the Iranian population spontaneously gathered in the streets to demonstrate their opposition to the Mullah regime. In public, women removed their veils, a symbol of oppression. In doing so, they called for civil disobedience. They triggered a movement followed by young women. And they have men’s support. These women are fighting back, despite the repression. They use social media to ensure their opposition to the regime is heard. Generation Z is educated, open to the world, and has gone through a demographic transition. It is the driving force behind an unprecedented national uprising. Young people are joined by their parents and grandparents. They are revolting against the oppression that has stifled the people for decades, and the economic crisis that is crushing them. Their struggle converges with the historical struggles of the Kurdish and Baluchi minorities. The revolt spreads throughout the country: demonstrations, strikes, barricades... On the other side, fierce repression intensifies. The demonstrators want an end to the theocratic regime. They hope for a peaceful democracy that would break the regional power games.