Franco-Iranian Web Series 'Happiness' Offers Teen-Focused Counter-Narrative to Conflict Headlines
By
Max Goldbart
Crisp on the outside, thoughtful on the inside. A keeper.
Summary
This article profiles the Franco-Iranian web series 'Happiness' by Pouria Takavar, which follows a group of teenagers in Tehran. Inspired by 'American Honey', the series started on Instagram and was later picked up by Arte France. It offers a counter-narrative to conflict-focused headlines about Iran by highlighting universal teen experiences. The piece is part of Deadline's 'Global Breakouts' series, spotlighting shows succeeding in local territories.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledHeadlines about conflict in Iran have dominated these past months but a small Franco-Iranian web series with big dreams tells a bit of a different story.
Pouria Takavar's American Honey-inspired show Happiness, which follows a group of teenagers in Tehran, reminds us that teenhood is universal.
The series started life on Instagram before being picked up by Arte France.
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