Mariam Shahriar's feature debut is an extraordinary achievement. Her compelling and deeply moving story unfolds seamlessly from the first moment, when we see locks of long dark hair fall to the ground. Disguised as a boy, Amangol (Altinay Ghelich Taghani) leaves home for a job in a carpet workshop in a remote village, hoping that her salary will be sent to support her poor family. When Belgheis, a young female coworker, falls in love with Amangol, the ramifications of her love-played out against the background of their oppressive situation and unscrupulous boss-radically change their fates. With the sensibility of a poet, director Shahriar again and again draws the viewer into the film's world through the intimacy of small gestures, bestowing a profound and lucid understanding of her characters. Each scene is a revelation in this film which bears every hallmark of a formidable new talent. Watch out for Mariam Shahriar.-Zoe Elton, Mill Valley Film Festival 2000