The Song of Sparrows

Karim lives on an ostrich farm just outside Tehran with his wife Narges and their three children. Their life is filled with simple joys as they work together amidst the serene environment of the farm, striving for their family's happiness.

Karim receives an urgent call concerning his daughter Haniyeh, who has lost her hearing aid. This prompts him to leave the farm and return home to assist his son Hussein and neighborhood kids in searching for the lost device.

The search takes a turn when they venture into the family's underground water cistern, which is filled with murky sludge. Initially upset with the adventure, Karim soon joins his son and the others in their efforts, hoping to recover the hearing aid.

While in the cistern, Hussein and his friends share their dream of clearing the sludge to raise fish for profit. Although Karim finds their plan impractical and discourages them, the ambition of the children shines through.

After finding the hearing aid, Karim discovers that it is malfunctioning and requires immediate replacement. The stress escalates as he realizes the hospital’s lengthy wait for repairs could jeopardize Haniyeh's upcoming exam.

Karim is burdened by mounting financial pressures, especially after facing punishment for an escaped ostrich, which leads to his dismissal from the farm. He calculates the high cost of repairing Haniyeh's hearing aid and worries about how to provide for his family.

Faced with dire circumstances, Karim resorts to pretending to be a motorcycle taxi driver in Tehran. This decision plunges him into the chaotic urban life filled with a diverse array of people and stories, representing his struggle for survival.

As he continues in his new job, Karim’s kindness begins to fade under pressure. His initial honesty gives way to obsession with collecting discarded items, which distracts him from the more pressing issue of his daughter's hearing aid.

Karim's situation worsens when a catastrophic accident causes him to suffer from a broken leg and other injuries, rendering him bedridden. This incident signifies a low point in his life as he is unable to provide for his family.

With Karim incapacitated, young Hussein bravely takes on responsibilities to support the family. This courage demonstrates the strong bond and resilience they share as they navigate through tough times together.

As Karim begins to heal, a poignant moment occurs when Hussein and his friends deliver fresh fish, a result of their efforts. However, their hard work is devastated by an accident, but Hussein's selfless decision to release the dying fish brings Karim pride.

During his recovery, Karim learns that the long-lost ostrich has returned, which gives him an emotional boost. The bittersweet visit to the farm culminates in a heartfelt reunion with the beloved creature, symbolizing hope and resilience.

The reunion with the ostrich serves as a catalyst for Karim's healing. Tears of joy reflect the trials he has faced, but they also signify a renewed sense of hope and purpose as he embraces his family once more.