Iranian women seeking divorce meet with strong opposition. Often, they stand by
helplessly when their husbands are supported by the court and get custody of the
children, even if they abuse them or attach little value to the education of
their daughters. Filmmaker Kim Longinotto and writer Ziba Mir-Hosseini observed
three lawsuits in Teheran. Jamileh is mistreated by her husband, Maryam fights
for the custody of her children, and 16-year-old Ziba wants to divorce her
38-year-old spouse. If she succeeds, she will have to go through life as scum,
due to the loss of her virginity. The women that Longinotto shows are anything
but victims. With humour, flattery, tears, perseverance and an occasional little
white lie, they try to achieve their goals – often with success.
Credits
Director
Kim Longinotto, Ziba Mir-Hosseini
Production
Kim Longinotto for 20th Century Vixen
Cinematography
Kim Longinotto
Editing
Barrie Vince
Sound
Christine Felce
Related sets
Related films
Runaway
Female directors Kim Longinotto and Ziba Mir-Hosseini, who previously collaborated on the memorable documentary DIVORCE IRANIAN STYLE, are back in Teheran. This time they are visiting a centre for girls who have ran away from home. Treating their heroines with a great deal of understanding and respect, the filmmakers enter their troublesome lives. The film crew obviously succeeded in gaining the full trust of the girls, because we see them opening up without being bothered by the presence of the camera. In spite of being raised by their family and society to obey and never talk back, these girls have found the courage to stand up for their freedom. By leaving their homes, they are trying to turn a new page in life. But what are their chances? As an official institution in Iranian society, this Centre also has to play according to the rules. Nevertheless, the charismatic and firm Mrs Shirazi, who runs the place, always finds a way to renegotiate the relationships between the parents and the runaways. Without being voyeuristic, the filmmakers follow certain cases from the moment the girls enter the Centre until the moment they go back home. The story told in between reveals the pain, humiliation and anger of Iranian girls harassed by their nearest and dearest
More infoIDFA history
2001
Screened
Top 10
Top 10
1998
Screened
Reflecting Images
Reflecting Images
1998
reflecting images film