GLADIATOR BABY

During the long years of economic and political censorship in Iran—

when the real news behind this story first surfaced—the idea never left me for eight years. It went through nearly forty revisions, yet, for various reasons, the film could not be made. Either the story was denied a production permit, which blocked any possibility of investment, or the country’s unstable economy constantly disrupted and delayed every filmmaking plan.

But after years of patience, a moment arrived when neither I nor my independent team could bear carrying the weight of this pain and idea any longer. I could no longer tolerate more censorship of the story, nor could I ignore its truth—because I had lived a part of this story myself.

Finally, with the help of my independent team and using the small personal funds we had (which brought serious pressure on our own lives), we made this film — despite all financial and political sanctions — to honor independent cinema, uncensored storytelling, and art free from politics.

This film, created through great hardship yet without censorship, is a tribute to all the children and people of my homeland — and of the world.

Ali Sabokbar

Independent Writer & Director – from Iran