20 Fingers (film)

20 Fingers is a 2004 anthology film directed by Mania Akbari. The film is composed of several vignettes exploring themes of love, relationships, gender roles, and sexual identity in contemporary Iranian society. These vignettes, often presented in a minimalist and confrontational style, feature Akbari herself alongside co-star Bijan Daneshmand, exploring variations on a disintegrating relationship.

The film is notable for its use of improvisation and its unflinching portrayal of complex and sometimes taboo subjects. It employs unconventional camera angles and editing techniques to create a raw and often unsettling viewing experience. 20 Fingers challenges traditional cinematic norms and offers a critical commentary on societal expectations and personal freedom within the Iranian context. Due to its controversial themes, the film faced censorship issues in Iran and has primarily been screened at international film festivals.