It remains a seeming contradiction that a country as religiously restrictive as Iran can produce so much fine and authority-questioning cinema. One of the most acclaimed of the latest generation of Iranian filmmakers is Bahman Ghobadi, whose filmography includes A Time for Drunken Horses (Zamani barayé masti asbha, 2000), Turtles Can Fly (Lakposhtha parvaz mikonand, 2004) and Half Moon (Niwemang, 2006). His latest is the enigmatically titled No One Knows About Persian Cats (Kasi az gorbehaye irani khabar nadareh), which won the Special Jury Prize at Cannes this year.

Based on real events, the film follows two young musicians, Negar and Ashkan, who have been invited to perform in a gig in London. As a result, they embark on a frantic mission to assemble a backing band – by any means and any price possible – of the costly and elusive paperwork that is necessary to allow them to leave the country. Their search for musicians to complete their band takes the viewers on a journey of wondrous discovery into Iran's illegal underground music scene featuring Persian rap, rock, jazz and blues artists.

They team up with fast-talking, compassionate yet sometimes elusive bootlegger Nader, who promises them packed out concerts, problem and hassle-free passports and visas. But as Negar and Ashkan try to convince other musicians to follow their lead, the risks that they are taking become all too apparent.

No One Knows About Persian Cats – the title is a reference to a law that forbids cats and dogs to wander outdoors in Iran – has been described as "a love/hate letter to Tehran itself." The film is both a unique portrait of a society and a generation, and a defiant, courageous plea for openness and freedom of expression.

No One Knows About Persian Cats will be released on UK DVD on 26th July 2010 by Network Releasing at the RRP of £15.99. Extras include:

• "Making of" documentary;
• Trailer.

You can watch an HD trailer for the film here.