The Women Life Freedom exhibition at the 77th Cannes Film Festival was honored to welcome Mr. Eric Thill, Minister of Culture of Luxembourg and Guy Daleiden, managing director of the Film Fund Luxembourg. We are grateful for his support and for the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the project.
#womanlifefreedom#cannesfilmfestival#mojaphotography
The moment fimdirector Mohammad Rasoulof's film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" got premiered in Cannes.
A courageous story set dealing with conflict between tradition and progress in modern-day Iran.
The screening was followed by a record 12-minute standing ovation and later won Rasoulof the Fipresci Awards at Cannes.
SEPIDEH FARSI
The Cannes Film Festival welcomes the multifaceted talent of Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi. Farsi, a director, screenwriter, and activist, brings a richness of experience to this prestigious platform.
Farsi's captivating films delve into profound themes of identity and the human experience, garnering international acclaim for their depth and artistry. Beyond her artistic achievements, Farsi is a vocal advocate for the ongoing #WomanLifeFreedom movement in Iran. She consistently uses her voice and platform to amplify the struggles and aspirations of Iranian women seeking basic rights and freedoms.
This year, her influence extends beyond the red carpet. Farsi is part of the esteemed team that brought the #WomanLifeFreedom movement to the forefront at Cannes, solidifying the festival's role in amplifying silenced narratives.
The Cannes Film Festival celebrates Sepideh Farsi - a visionary artist, a champion for women's voices, and a force for positive change in the world.
#sepidehfarsi#mojaphotography#womanlifefreedom
Yesterday the team, photographer Moja and actress Golshifteh Farahani experienced an unforgettable full circle moment during our project when she was finally photographed infront of her own portrait at the Festival de Cannes. Golshifteh is known to be a very involved activist in the Woman Life Freedom movement and is an inspiration to the younger generation in today's society for women's rights and liberty of expression.
KEYWAN KARIMI
This Iranian filmmaker of Kurdish descent is captivating audiences with his thought-provoking documentaries. Karimi's artistic journey began with a series of short films that offered a glimpse into contemporary Iran, often acting as social critiques. But what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to using his art for activism.
Karimi's short film "Broken Border," a documentary exploring the realities of fuel smuggling on the Iranian-Iraqi border,and his feature film DRUM was presented in Venice film festival when he was in prison at 2016 which get so many reviews and audiences.
Karimi's own experiences with oppression fueled his fire. He faced imprisonment for his documentary "Writing on the City," which explored the changing political climate in Iran through graffiti. This harsh reality only strengthened his resolve. His voice has reached a global audience, with interviews where he passionately speaks about the importance of this fight.
Through his films and activism, Keywan Karimi reminds us of the power of art to inspire change. He is a true artist-activist, using his lens to raise awareness and advocate for a brighter future.
ABDOLREZA KAHANI
A name synonymous with pushing boundaries in Iranian cinema. Born in 1973, Kahani's artistic journey began at a young age, starting with theatre in his hometown of Nishapur. This theatrical background heavily influenced his filmmaking, resulting in works known for their raw portrayal of Iranian social issues.
Despite his talent, Kahani's career has been a constant battle against censorship. His films often delve into sensitive topics, exposing the complexities of life under the Islamic Republic. This scrutiny resulted in several films being banned or heavily edited. In 2015, after facing repeated restrictions, Abdolreza made the difficult decision to emigrate to France.
Kahanis most celebrated works, like "Dance with the Moon," a poignant exploration of a young couple's struggles, and "Twenty," which tackles unemployment through the lens of a closing banquet hall (winning a Special Jury Prize at Karlovy Vary), showcase his ability to weave social commentary into personal narratives. Perhaps his most internationally recognized film, "Over There," which won the Golden Alexander at Thessaloniki, uses a family reunion to paint a complex and nuanced portrait of Iranian life.
Kahani's activism extends beyond his films. He is a vocal critic of censorship and a staunch advocate for independent filmmaking in Iran. He views independent cinema as a platform for free expression, challenging societal norms and sparking conversation.
Abdolreza's unwavering voice continues to resonate. His recent Cannes interview spotlighting the Woman Life Freedom movement solidified his commitment to social justice.
