Fighting the System

Tired of the tyranny of the Mullahs, Iran’s youngsters are turning to music and sport to vent their frustration. They’re desperate for political change.

Loud techno music blares out from a makeshift Tehran sports club. To the beat of every note, twenty seven year old Yelda pummels her opponent. She’s a qualified lawyer and has black belt in karate. She’s also highly frustrated with life in Iran. “I do karate and body-building. It gives a feeling of power,” she explains. “Maybe that’s why so many woman are doing it here.” Twenty one year old Khaled understands her frustrations. Hidden in the basement of an apartment complex is his small, sound proof rehearsal room. He practices his drums here every day, prevented from playing his heavy metal music in public. Iran is slowly changing. Women can buy stylish clothes, only to wear in the privacy of their own homes. But change can’t come fast enough for these youngsters. They dream of immigrating to America.