Story of the City is a 12-minute documentary series that delves into the complex interplay between people, urban spaces, and politics in Iran. Through compelling episodes, the series examines how cities are shaped by political forces, social movements, and the ongoing struggle between power and freedom.

Each episode offers a unique lens into urban life in Iran, uncovering the ways political agendas and societal dynamics influence public spaces and the lives of those who inhabit them. From the impact of architecture on daily interactions to the evolving roles of women in urban settings, Story of the City reveals the multifaceted stories embedded in the fabric of Iranian cities.

In episodes like “Women and the City: Bodies in Bounds and Breaks,” the series explores how architecture and urban spaces in Iran shape women’s interactions and their roles in public life, from the constraints of hijab to their transformative presence in the city. Another episode investigates the political motivations behind Tehran’s urban design, tracing the shift from socialist-inspired planning to Americanized modernization under Mohammad Reza Shah following the 1953 coup.

With rich storytelling and insightful analysis, Story of the City invites viewers to reflect on how urban landscapes in Iran embody the tensions between control and liberation, creating a dialogue that continues to shape its cities and communities.