Letters To The President

The documentary follows President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2008 as he travels through the streets of Qom Shrine, where thousands of people hand him letters detailing their urgent needs for loans, medical attention, housing, and jobs. Ahmadinejad, elected on a populist platform, has encouraged this practice, receiving around 10 million letters from citizens. This film provides a window into the lives of everyday Iranians and their expectations from their government.

With a runtime of 74 minutes, the documentary sheds light on individual stories, such as that of a 16-year-old boy who writes about his family's financial struggles. The film emphasizes the importance of charity in Islam, as discussed by staff members responding to the letters. Letters To The President presents a poignant look at the intersection of personal pleas and political promises in Iran during Ahmadinejad's presidency.