Can I Hug You

In the holy city of Qom, the most austere city in Iran, human rights are subject to many restrictions. Hossein, 30 years old, grew up in this environment and suffered a lot of sexual abuse from men despite these measures. Because of social taboos and traditional stereotypes associated with masculinity, he never spoke about it.

Hossein and Elahe, both filmmakers, have tried to emigrate several times for many reasons but mainly because Hossein was looking for a place to raise their future children but unfortunately that has not alleviated Hossein's concerns.

Today, Elahe has become aware of the trauma endured by Hossein and she is determined to support her husband on his journey toward recovery.
The use of animation to tell the story of Hossein's childhood, sweet music, moments of grace with the family's children helps to address this trauma with all the tenderness that Elahe shows her husband.