Icheri Sheher

Arzu, a young girl growing up in contemporary Azerbaijan, falls in love with Rafael, her piano teacher's son. Twice her age and unable to escape the ravages of war, Rafael is forced to live on the edge of a society that only views him as a 'cripple.' Arzu, desperate to flee her repressive society which confines women to a strict, narrow path, chooses Rafael over her family and friends. Threatened by Arzu's mother, and guided by the wisdom of his ongoing suffering, Rafael makes the ultimate sacrifice of love. (Cairo International Film Festival)