The systemic oppression of women in contemporary Iran is told through the intertwined experiences of several women over the course of one day in Panahi’s Golden Lion masterpiece that is rife with anger and compassion. Panahi remarks, “I believe that not only in Iran but all over the world people live in circles of restrictions. Depending on geographical, political, and economic conditions, these circles are larger or smaller, but regardless of the size, people strive to enlarge their circles.” Despite being banned, The Circle had some surreptitious screenings in Iran and was selected as best film of the year by the Iranian Cinema Guilds.