Ballad of a White Cow is a drama film directed by Behtash Sanaeeha and Maryam Moghaddam. The film is set in contemporary Iran and tells the story of Mina, a young woman who raises her daughter alone after her husband is executed for a crime he didn't commit. Mina, an innocent woman, is determined to seek justice for her husband, but initially meets roadblocks since she is a woman. The film explores the themes of grief, resilience, and the system of justice in Iran.
The film begins by depicting Mina's life after her husband's execution. Mina is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who works as a cowherd and takes care of her mute daughter. Her daily routine is disturbed when a man named Reza comes to her house, claiming to be a government agent. He tells her that the property she lives on was actually her husband's, and she is forced to pay rent. Mina is shocked to learn that her husband's execution had been a mistake - he was innocent of the crime he was accused of.
Mina decides to seek justice for her husband and visits the court to ask for a retrial. However, she is mistreated and dismissed by the system due to her gender. She then meets the judge who presided over her husband's case, and he too dismisses her plea. Mina's resilience and determination to find justice lead her to take matters into her own hands, and she sets out to confront those who have wronged her.
Ballad of a White Cow is a poignant portrayal of Mina's struggle for justice in a system that's flawed. It's a film that explores the themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and the tenacity of the human spirit. As the story unfolds, we see Mina's unwavering resolve to fight for her husband's honor and to protect her daughter's future. The film is shot in a simple, yet powerful style that underscores the harsh realities of the justice system in Iran. Overall, Ballad of a White Cow is a moving and thought-provoking film that portrays the courage and resilience of an Iranian woman fighting for justice and dignity.