The Pearl 2012

Directed by Sirous Hassanpour

Blending fiction with stunning environmental documentary footage, the film tells the story of 12-year-old Maher and his sister Mahrokh, children of Karin, a poor pearl diver. Karin is gravely ill and requires heart surgery in Tehran. Desperate to help, Maher tries various ways to raise the money. He begins by unearthing turtle eggs to sell, defying the local belief that these animals bring good luck and should be left undisturbed. Ultimately, he decides to dive for pearls himself—an activity fraught with danger.