First Film Festival 'Women, Life, Freedom'; Shabnam Farshadjou: For Artists Who Cannot Breathe in Iran

The first 'Women, Life, Freedom' film festival, inspired by the Mahsa 'Zhina' Amini movement and recent nationwide protests in Iran, will be held for six days starting from September 26 in several cities across the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia. This festival is organized by the 'Iranian Artists Association of Film and Theater Abroad' to support independent filmmakers and showcase works centered on the struggles of women and minorities. Shabnam Farshadjou, an actress, member of the association, and spokesperson for the 'Women, Life, Freedom' festival, told Voice of America: 'The festival officially began its work on July 1, 2024, and by the end of the submission deadline on August 1, over 2500 films were submitted for the festival.' She added that from the works received from various countries, including Iran, 28 films were selected in four categories: documentary, narrative, experimental, and animated painting, and will be reviewed by the jury. The jury members of the first 'Women, Life, Freedom' film festival, chaired by Marjane Satrapi, include Australian filmmaker Marie Cameron, Maryam Keshavarz, Maryam Palizban, Pouya Mohseni, Ashkan Khatibi, and Pegah Ahangarani. According to Shabnam Farshadjou, the selected works will be screened for six days starting from September 26 (September 16), the anniversary of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement, in Chicago, USA, Ottawa, Canada, Stockholm, Sweden, and Brisbane, Australia, alongside receiving a diploma of honor and cash prizes. Hossein Khendan, a filmmaker, member of the association, and director of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' festival, told Voice of America that since the association was formed within the framework of the revolutionary 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement, it was natural for the main focus of this festival to honor the noble goals of this revolutionary movement. He mentioned that they aimed to invite not only globally recognized figures but also those who have been very active in the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement. Marjane Satrapi is the most prominent figure who chairs the jury. She has published a book about 'Women, Life, Freedom' and strongly believes in this movement, to the extent that she considers it more important and valuable than the Constitutional Revolution. Shabnam Farshadjou emphasizes that all members of the association, organizers, and jury members participate in organizing this festival voluntarily and without any requests, which is very 'valuable.' She further mentions the various challenges of organizing such a festival, stating that Iranian women and their struggles inspired the start of this significant cultural and artistic movement, and the association hopes to expand the 'Women, Life, Freedom' festival in the coming years. According to Ms. Farshadjou, this festival is an important and impactful initiative, providing an exceptional opportunity for filmmakers to make their voices heard worldwide. She notes that the festival is a window for those who cannot breathe in Iran, describing the screening of independent and non-governmental filmmakers' works as a significant success for the 'Iranian Artists Association of Film and Theater Abroad.' Shabnam Farshadjou mentions that this festival gives hope and motivation to filmmakers inside Iran, allowing their hard work and art to be showcased without fear of government restrictions and censorship, potentially providing them with more opportunities and positions. She also announced the upcoming theater festival and encouraged artists to join the 'Iranian Artists Association of Film and Theater Abroad' and participate in its cultural and artistic programs.