Letters to the President (NR)

synopsis

Allowed to travel on several of Iranian President Ahmadinejad's populist trips to the countryside, the filmmaker describes a man different to portrayals by the international media- this portrait presents a charismatic politician rather than a dangerous firebrand. During his trips the President receives many letters – the government claims ten million from poor Iranians asking for help. While not finding evidence for the government's claim that it helps these letter-writers, the film does show that promises and propaganda ignite a desperate hope from those in need. This hope finds different outlets, particularly for the religious poor. They turn to belief in a Shia messiah, the Mahdi, who will come at the end of time to bring the world justice. At the holy Mosque where the Mahdi will one day reappear, the poor have begun to readdress their letters to their new patron with the belief that maybe he will offer salvation.