- IRAN BEYOND IRAN
In Iran people and government are two diametrically different worlds, especially the privileged youth, studying and populating the main cities of the country. On one side, they are immersed in the rich traditional culture of the Persian heritage, which is imbued with Islamism. On the other side, they are always more influenced by the influx of global culture, which is moulding people lifestyles and visions of reality. Despite the government censorship on blogs, international news sources, and social networks - exacerbated after the ‘green movement’ which shook the country in 2009 - the impact of the medias have accelerated an unprecedented process of transformation amongst Iran’s youth. Where the Orwellian gaze of the system can’t reach, an alternative and parallel reality unfolds, a world a side, with other values and other dominant rules. In private the real culture of the metropolitan contemporary Iran develops, open to western and oriental influences, open to change and hungry for diversity. Young people gather together in parks and at private parties, which attract many people as they seek of fun. The spirit of traveling is becoming increasingly appealing for the youngster: sleeping in tents, or in unknown people houses, climbing mountains and chilling at the beach, improvising parties in every situation and then sharing their photos and discoveries in social networks. To feel alive.