Iran / Persain / 2019 / 62mins / Chinese & English subtitles

An 80-year-old man is known for having danced at local ceremonies and celebrations dressed as a woman in his youth. Dancing publicly was banned after the Revolution and he lives now as a farmer, taking care of cows. This film captures one man’s continued pursuit of happiness through dancing.

“I’ve been wishing to dance on the stage for 30-40 years. But everywhere is a stage for the one who wants to dance.”

Gracefully offers a tender and moving portrait of an 80-year-old man who, in his youth, was known for traditional dancing at local ceremonies and celebrations dressed as a woman, but is now a farmer. Since 1979, dancing publicly has been forbidden in Iran, and it is seen as especially sinful for women and trans people. Throughout the film, our protagonist finds discreet opportunities in which to dance: to express his art, in pursuit of happiness, and as an act of resistance.