Afshin Ghaffarian risks everything to start a dance company amid his home country of Iran's politically volatile climate and the nation's ban on dancing.

A film based on an incredible true story. Desert Dancer is a classic hero story about brave young people risking their lives to rebel against their government and fight for their dreams. Set in Iran, where dancing is currently forbidden, the story follows Afshin Ghaffarian and his friends who, despite the dangers, form an underground dance company where, via hacking into YouTube, they learn from the very best: Michael Jackson, Pina Bausch, Gene Kelly, and Rudolf Nureyev. Reveling in the freedom of expression that dance gives them, they plan to put on a performance deep in the desert, away from the watchful eyes of the military police.—Anonymous