Summary In Iranian city Ahvaz, among the world's most polluted, Kefah Allush meets the small remaining community of Mandaeans, whose small religion claims the heritage of John the Baptist, apparently originating from the Holy land, but not Christian. Only a few thousand remain, dwindling further by emigration to the West (especially Texas), as the Islamic Republic discriminates non-Muslims, practically limiting their professional options to goldsmith. Over the centuries, the suffered much discrimination, even violent persecutions, so especially those (mainly seniors) wanting to stay are discrete, shy, all but outspoken. Their language, a form of Aramaic, survives almost only in choir songs. Intermarriage means exclusion, but few potential partners remains, so only some ten couples wed a year. Rituals are performed by priest in 'mandi' temples and rivers, as the main is repeated baptism, not just as initiation but also at festivals (main being the Baptist's birthday and his baptism) and when faithful feel a need for it. .

• Documentary