Land of Dreams: satirical portrait of contradictory American society by director Shirin Neshat.
Plot and background
“Land of Dreams” is set in the near future, in a strongly authoritarian ruled America. The United States has sealed off its external borders and counts on the Census Bureau to better understand and control its citizens. This agency is developing a programme on behalf of the government to record the dreams of US residents.
Simin (Sheila Vand) travels through the Midwest of the USA together with bodyguard Alan (Matt Dillon). As a so-called “dream catcher”, she records the sometimes obscure dreams of various citizens (including Anna Gunn, Isabella Rossellini, William Moseley). Simin processes these encounters and the painful truths behind the dreams, as well as her own diasporic trauma as an Iranian migrant, by acting out the dreamers in Farsi. The dream catcher films herself in disguise as she role-plays and shares the videos on social media, to the dissatisfaction of her employer. But over time, Simin realises the insidious intentions that are actually behind the work of the Census Bureau.
The trailer for “Land of Dreams” shows atmospheric insights from the surreal road trip:
“Land of Dreams” – background, cast, cinema release
Internationally renowned Iranian artist Shirin Neshat (“Women Without Men”), together with her co-director Shoja Azari, satirically explores the contradictions of American society with “Land of Dreams”. Jean-Claude Carrière (“The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie”) wrote the screenplay for the film. “Land of Dreams” celebrated its world premiere at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival.
The drama shines with a top-class cast. Irano-American Sheila Vand (“A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night”) stars as dream catcher and secret cosplayer Simin. Matt Dillon (“Crazy for Mary”) does not leave Simin’s side as bodyguard Alan. Anna Gunn (“Breaking Bad”), Isabella Rossellini (“Blue Velvet”) and William Moseley (“The Royals”) were among those who appeared in other roles.
“Land of Dreams” will be released in German cinemas on 03 November 2022.
