Profession: Documentarist

“We Iranian documentary directors have movies that can only be made in our minds. Sometimes, we tell them to each other.” These are the words of Farahnaz, one of the seven female documentary makers whose voices are heard in . This intimate ensemble piece comprises seven personal stories that had to be left untold following the Islamic Revolution in 1979. In diary style, they raise issues that deeply impact everyday life, but are nonetheless “prohibited” in the country. The contributors also reflect on their clandestine existence and the importance of film as a medium. Shirin talks about the “silent” war that goes unreported in today’s deceptively calm Tehran. Firouzeh discusses the fear felt by filmmakers living under censorship. Farahnaz shows how music has disappeared from public life since women were forbidden to sing. Mina explains how one by one most of her friends have left to go abroad. Sepideh describes the disenchantment of her youth, beginning with the death of her aunt on the day of the Revolution. Sahar reflects on her view from the window of a prison, and Nahid shares her thoughts about solidarity and hope despite setbacks and increasing restrictions. The soundtrack consists of music banned in Iran, by Iranian pop icon Googoosh and others.