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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR FOREFATHERS
A film by Tenaz H. Dubash

Follows 35 Zoroastrian youth
as they search for the roots of their religion, Zoroastrianism, in Iran.


This documentary captures the journey of thirty-four, Americans to Iran. This group of young Zoroastrians is very eager to trace their roots and history by visiting the country where one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, their religion, Zoroastrianism, originated. Their desire to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors leads to this incredible journey. A trip that is full of risk - a pilgrimage that involves traveling to a country that has no American embassy - and a collective passion for their history that will not let any of this stop them. Besides following the evolution in the thoughts of the eager, young pilgrims, the film allows the viewer a rare glimpse of Iran, a country that has shut itself off from the rest of the world for the past 20 years.

60 minutes
Color Video
© Tenaz Dubash, 2000

For more information about obtaining the documentary contact: Tenaz Dubash

 

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  "Extremely informative and visually stunning."
  
  -- Hesh Sarmalkar, The Asia Society

  
  
  "An excellent introduction to Zoroastrianism for high school and college students."
  
  - Dolly Vania, Teacher and administrator

  
  Producer's Notes: Our trip involved a lot of sacrifice and danger. We were primarily all Americans traveling to a country where not too long ago Americans were equated with "The Great Satan."As women in a fundamentalist, Islamic country all of us had to wear a long, black, trench-coat-like dress, called "Hejaab", at all times, even in 100 degree weather. Our hair had to be covered with scarves and most importantly we had to discard all notions of being strong, independent or even remotely feminist. I, being a journalist, saw this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to do a documentary on our trip. I do not speak "Farsi", I did not have a cameraperson till I arrived in Tehran, I was not sure if I would be allowed to bring my tapes out of the country. All I knew was that I was going to give it my all - and try to make it happen. This documentary captures our story, as we trace the roots of our religion. It is told primarily through my eyes but draws heavily from four to six of my fellow pilgrims.