The Septembers Of Shiraz

Farnaz visits Isaac’s sister Shahla and her husband Keyvan in their home, which is filled with classical French furniture, luxurious décor, and valuable items, including a tea set that was a gift from Nasar Al-Din Shah to Keyvan’s great-grandfather, a court painter. Farnaz informs the couple about Isaac’s arrest. She warns them that they too could be in danger as Isaac’s relatives. Keyvan explains that they cannot leave until he takes care of his father’s possessions and homes in Iran, his parents having moved to Switzerland. Farnaz recalls attending the coronation of the Shah and his empress 15 years earlier. The ceremony had been a spectacular show of wealth and pomp, to which Isaac had responded with cynicism. Keyvan suggests that he and Shahla leave Iran soon, but Shahla insists that they cannot leave as they will be nobody in the West, stripped of their historical links, prestige, and wealth.

Isaac and his cellmates hear the guards calling a list of prisoners’ names, who Mehdi explains will be executed. Soon after, Isaac is summoned. Mohsen recommences the interrogation, accusing Isaac of being a spy. Isaac denies this and claims he is a simple family man.