The Apple (ej svensk text)

THE APPLE is the haunting first feature by Samira Makhmalbaf, then 17 year old daughter of the Iranian filmmaker, Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Based on a true incident and using the actual family involved in the case, the film tells a bizarre but engaging story. In a run-down part of Tehran, two twin daughters live as virtual prisoners of their poor father and blind mother, locked behind bars for all of their 12 years. The father’s argument is that: “My daughters are like flowers. They mustn’t be exposed to the sun or they would soon fade...”. A social worker tries to persuade the girls' father to give them the freedom to explore the world beyond the gates of their home. With its unaffected charm and natural humour, THE APPLE won the prestigious Sutherland Trophy for best first feature at the London Film Festival.