Full Breakdown
DreamLab Films Takes on Satirical Iranian Feature “Head to Head”
8/10/2026, 8:11:27 PM
Film Overview and Premise
DreamLab Films has acquired worldwide sales for the Iran-Germany co-production Head to Head (Sar beh Sar), a dark comedy that imagines a film set in contemporary Iran where an acclaimed female writer-director forces male actors to wear skirts and headscarves—the dress code traditionally imposed on women. The premise follows the men as they contend with heat, restrictions, and wounded pride, while the director’s ambition meets mounting resistance.
Production Details
The feature marks Ghasideh Golmakani’s first full-length film after a series of internationally screened short films that explore gender, power, and social taboos in Iran. Golmakani also wrote and produced the movie, with David M. Lorenz as associate producer and Saba M. Rezaei as executive producer. Cinematography is handled by Amin Jafari, sound design by Alireza Alavian, production design by Melody Esmaeili, and original music composed by Yoones Eskandari.
Creative Team and Cast
The ensemble includes Mehrnoosh Satari, Saeed Naderi, Ebrahim Azizi (known for *It Was Just an Accident*), Amir Hajimohammadi, Elaheh Farazmand, and Lili Farhadpour (from *My Favorite Cake*). Golmakani, who holds a PhD from the Sorbonne on Iranian women filmmakers before and after the Revolution, explained that the film grew out of years of reflecting on the position of women in Iranian cinema. She described the project as both a reflection of the challenges women face and an invitation for male colleagues to consider the constraints women endure to remain visible on screen.
Distribution and Festival Debut
Paris-based DreamLab Films will manage worldwide sales and festival strategy for the title. The film is slated to make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), positioning it for broader international exposure and potential market acquisition.
Context and Themes
“Head to Head” uses satire to highlight gender-based dress regulations in Iran, turning the usual power dynamic on its head by imposing women’s dress code on men. The film’s blend of comedy and social observation aims to spark dialogue about gender equity in Iranian cinema and the broader cultural landscape.
