**** (Four stars)
A quintessential study of technology democratizing information, this movie follows the Iranian government's vain attempts to control information flow among its citizenry. As the ruling regime makes futile attempts to curb the proliferation of outlawed satellite dishes, installers work around the clock to keep up with the demand for uncensored programming—from the rooftops of Tehran to the mud houses that dot the Iranian countryside. Distributing banned DVDs is another thriving Iranian business, with immoral content often sensitively edited out; Internet proxy sites that give Iranians access to prohibited websites pop up faster than they can be shut down; and musicians who practice in secret and trade banned indie-rock CDs give new meaning to the term underground music. The government argues it’s protecting the people from immorality, but most Iranians say all they really want is a view on the world outside. This doc takes a sensitive look at a people who take advantage of digital media to open the doors and windows of Iran to the light of world news and popular culture. They really want their MTV.—Scott Corrigan, online intern
[This is a TONY staff review, written for the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival. It is not considered an official review and should not be read as such. Please think of it as a casual impression from a movie-loving friend.]