In Emelie Mahdavian's After the Curtain, four female dancers battle shifting cultural norms and face increasing disfavor in the Post-Soviet, predominantly Muslim nation of Tajikistan. The women weigh their love of art against economic hardship, loneliness, and social reproach in this intimate portrait, which also celebrates the rich dance and music culture of a Central Asian country largely unknown in the West.

Director: Emelie Mahdavian

Cinematographer: Roozbeh Ghasemi, Meysam Javadi, Sam Javadi, and Emelie Mahdavian