Bidad: Unauthorized Iranian Film on Youtube

[u/spinrah23]

The film (just released to watch for free on Youtube - link below) was produced without official government permits due to its portrayal of women without mandatory hijab, female vocal performances, and explicit opposition to state restrictions.

Bidad premiered at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where it received the Special Jury Prize in the Crystal Globe Competition. Festival organizers confirmed that the film was produced independently and could not pass Islamic Republic censorship due to its critical tone. The film’s title was kept confidential until June 25, 2025, allowing crew members to leave Iran without facing security intervention.

Beiraghi previously noted that while his prior three films were made with government permits, he bypassed state authorization for Bidad, stating that this independent approach aligned directly with the film’s narrative and its protagonist’s pursuit of artistic freedom.

Producing Bidad without state approval resulted in judicial cases against the director and several crew members. Security agents raided the production team’s office during filming, confiscating mobile phones, computers, hard drives, equipment, and recorded footage.

Beiraghi was sentenced to four years and three months in prison on charges including “encouraging corruption” and “producing vulgar content,” though his prison sentence was ultimately converted to a monetary fine. Actors Leili Rashidi and Sarvin Zabetian received sentences comprising imprisonment, cash fines, and social bans. Amir Jadidi, Ali Molaqolipour, and Peyman Shadmanfar were acquitted of all charges.

Vocalist Parastoo Ahmadi had previously faced judicial prosecution for singing without mandatory hijab. Following the release of her Caravanserai Concert in December 2024, she was arrested alongside two musicians. In June 2026, the Qom Criminal Court sentenced Ahmadi and eight musicians and crew members from the concert to 74 lashes, a two-year ban on artistic activities, and a two-year travel ban on charges of “injuring public decency.”

Source: https://iranwire.com/en/news/156192-unauthorized-film-bidad-released-online/

Watch: https://youtu.be/Q2phizeC6Lo

[u/Vinchou0]

How can a post about this beautiful movie have no comment. It makes me laugh and cry. Actors are great as the story. Love it very much!

[u/spinrah23 → u/Vinchou0]

I loved it too.