Iranian culture is a culture that is mixed with Persian and Islamic elements. Just like in many other regions, in Iran there have always been folk songs, lullabies, hymns and work songs that have depicted the life and pains of people. But Islamic commandments did not favor song and dance. For women to sing in public was considered especially taboo. The Persian lifestyle has always been restricted by Islamic commandments. <b>Unfinished Song</b> is a film that searches for the roots of Persian life. Musicologist Farhad goes around the northwest province of Khorasan, his hometown and the birthplace of Iranian folk song, to collect folk songs. He especially wishes to record the legendary Hayran in person. But Farhad finds out that she is already imprisoned for singing in public. He also discovers inseparable ties between his family and Hayran. To the end, Hayran cannot sing for Farhad. Music is now like a fossilized culture in Iran, and it also represents the vanishing spirit of Iranian people. The director, Maziar Miri, serenely expresses his sadness for things lost. When Farhad crosses a field in his car, a song can be heard far away as in a dream. That song is an appropriate symbol for the director′s sadness. (Kim Ji-Seok)