Reactions to the Award Given to the Film 'Witness' at Venice; Somayeh Haqnegahdar: A Great Success for Independent Iranian Cinema

The 81st Venice Film Festival in Italy concluded on Saturday, September 8, with awards presented to prominent figures and works in various cinematic categories. In the 'Horizons Expanded' section, the award for 'Audience Choice' was given to the film 'Witness' directed by Iranian filmmaker Nader Saei-Vor, which garnered significant attention in global media. This film, featuring Maryam Bobani, Hana Kamkar, and Ghazal Shojaei, was made without adhering to Iran's mandatory hijab laws and is considered a work within the framework of independent or underground cinema. Somayeh Haqnegahdar, a documentary filmmaker and a member of the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran (IFMA), describes 'Witness' as a 'different and impactful' work with a 'brilliant' beginning and ending. She further adds that this film pays tribute to the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement and the struggle of 'brave women of Iran.' According to Haqnegahdar, Nader Saei-Vor has also noted that he owes his success to the 'struggle and bravery of Iranian women.' Somayeh Haqnegahdar states: 'The film 'Witness' narrates elements and themes that have always been censored in cinema under the Islamic Republic's rule, such as the presence of actresses without mandatory hijab, the display of dance, and the portrayal of oppression and injustice prevailing in Iranian society.' She continues: 'This independent film, with the brave presence of its female actors, reflects the real lived experiences of brave women and Iranian society, especially narrating this bravery after the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement.' Haqnegahdar points out that 'Witness' was made under conditions in Iran where Nader Saei-Vor could not work freely for the safety of himself, the actors, and the film crew. Somayeh Haqnegahdar says: 'The 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement, along with the awareness and courage of the freedom-seeking people of Iran, has also permeated cinema, breathing new life into independent Iranian cinema. This is why we are witnessing the increasing success of this cinema globally, a cinema that has managed to present an unfiltered and true image of Iran to the world.' She adds that the award given to 'Witness' is a step forward in the fight against repression and censorship, describing it as a 'great and valuable success' for independent Iranian cinema. According to Haqnegahdar, the success of any independent film made inside or outside Iran strengthens the roots of independent cinema and provides more motivation for other independent filmmakers. She also notes that these successes familiarize the global cinematic community with the conditions and challenges faced by an independent Iranian filmmaker inside or outside Iran. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran (IFMA) was present at the Venice Festival, displaying a banner near the main entrance of the event. This banner featured slogans such as 'The rights of artists are the same as human rights,' 'Women, Life, Freedom,' and 'Stop executions.' According to Haqnegahdar, this movement was organized on the eve of the second anniversary of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement, where Nader Saei-Vor and the crew of 'Witness' were also present, and this Iranian filmmaker signed the banner. Somayeh Haqnegahdar states: 'Despite all the efforts of the Islamic Republic to censor and suppress independent Iranian cinema, independent filmmakers are stepping forward more actively than before, and we are witnessing greater presence of independent cinema in global festivals.' The film 'Witness' is the third work of Nader Saei-Vor and is a co-production of Iran, Germany, and Austria. He has a history of collaboration with Jafar Panahi in his professional career, having co-written the screenplay for 'Witness' with this renowned Iranian filmmaker. In this film, which is a product of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement era, a retired dance teacher named Terlan claims that her adopted daughter Zara has been murdered by her abusive and influential husband, who is a government official. The police are unwilling to investigate the matter, but Terlan, played by Maryam Bobani, does not give up despite all the challenges. The success of Nader Saei-Vor's 'Witness' at the Venice Festival; the award was dedicated to 'the brave women of Iran' and Jafar Panahi. The Venice Film Festival concluded; the best film award went to 'The Side Room,' and Nicole Kidman was named best actress. The film 'Seven Days' featuring Vishka Asayesh was screened in Toronto; producer Mohammad Farakhmanesh stated: 'The film's message is respect for human rights and freedom.' 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