Desert Dancer tells the true story of Afhsin Ghaffarian (Reece Ritchie), an Iranian dancer who started his own dance company with his friends even though dancing was illegal at the time. So, yeah, it kind of sounds like Footloose in the Middle East. The film is the first feature from director Richard Raymond and also stars Slumdog Millionaire’s Freida Pinto and Downton Abbey’s Tom Cullen. Desert Dancer opens in Chicago on April 10, but The A.V. Club and Relativity Media have an opportunity for you to win a pair of passes to see the film on April 6. For your chance to claim free tickets to the advance screening, simply follow the link here, click “Get My Passes,” and enter your information. As always, seats are first come, first served, so be sure to arrive early. An official plot synopsis and trailer for the film can be found below.
“Set in Iran, this powerful and unbelievable true story follows the brave ambition of Afshin Ghaffarian. During the volatile climate of the 2009 presidential election, where many cultural freedoms were threatened, Afshin and some friends (including Elaheh played by Freida Pinto) risk their lives and form an underground dance company. Through banned online videos, they learn from timeless legends who cross all cultural divides, such as Michael Jackson, Gene Kelly and Rudolf Nureyev. Afshin and Elaheh also learn much from each other, most importantly how to embrace their passion for dance and for one another.”