ABADAN

After years of living comfortably under Shaw Pahlavi’s power, nine-year-old Baháʼí Canadian, Emma, and her Iranian friend Saf, learn of Saf’s uncle’s plot to burn down the local Rex Cinema trapping the audience inside. Powerless they bear witness to the tragedy. The Shaw reacts with martial law. Tanks roll into the city, government buildings are closed, and a curfew is imposed. Emma’s family’s world becomes small. Her father who was once abusive and neglectful now must find his family a way out.