It is ten years since the revolution in Iran. This unique film, by the first independent crew to be granted wide-ranging access within the Islamic republic, was made over eight weeks under government scrutiny. Paradise of Martyrs is a fascinating account of Islamic fundamentalism, where every citizen is ready to lay down his life for God and to fight to the death anyone who threatens his faith. Young soldiers wounded in the Iran-Iraq war are philosophical about their debilitating injuries:
'whatever God wants will happen'. Death itself is not feared for it is 'an honour to be martyred'. The film offers a revealing look at the law of retaliation in the case of Mustafa, the butcher, on trial for murder. According to the law, the victim's family has the right to demand his death. Anyone who goes against
Islam must be prepared to die. In the words of one young woman: 'If a man's heart is black and he is beyond hope, then yes, we will kill him'. Producer BOB PLASTO
An IMAGO production in association with JOURNEYMAN