This film was never distributed to Iranian cinemas because it was considered too "dark" by the Mullah's regime. Therefore, it was not able to be considered as the Iranian entry for Best Foreign Language Film for the 2003 Oscars because it was not released in Iran.
The director refused to have his fingerprints taken for a temporary visa and, therefore, did not attend the American premiere.
The lead actor, playing a pizza delivery man, is, in real life, a pizza delivery man. He is also a paranoid schizophrenic (which may explain some of the character's traits and behavior.