Leila, who is a young talented tightrope walker, has been banned from performing by the authorities. Since then she works in an old circus owned by her father. Samir, a teenage boy, has fallen in love with Leila and instead of going to school, roams the circus. At the same time, as the political and economic problems in Iran rise day by day, Samir’s father, Siamak, after many years in different jobs, has just started working as a foreman in a donkey breeding farm. When he discovers that the donkeys are missing, he also uncovers terrible secrets of corruption.

"Hard Shell" makes its world premiere at the 48th Mostra.