Theft, drug trafficking, murder—the young women in the Iranian juvenile detention center featured in Starless Dreams have committed serious crimes. Many also come from broken and abusive homes. Inside these prison walls, these young women find safety and refuge as they forge friendships that sustain them. Spontaneous moments of fun—often full of song—interrupt somber, sometimes lonely moments of reflection and regret. Through his gentle approach, filmmaker Mehrdad Oskouei builds a remarkable trust with his subjects, allowing him to share with us a raw, heartbreaking portrait of these young women’s lives that sheds light on the challenges they face and the hopes they hold dear. What emerges is a subtle social justice film that both defies expectations and inspires compassion.  SB