Saturday, 20 June 2026 at 7 pm
Roobah va Mah soorati
Directed by: Mehrdad Oskouei
Screenplay by: Mehrdad Oskouei, Amir Adibparvar
IR • 2025 • 77' • documentary
Sixteen-year-old Soraya is married to an abusive man and has decided to take control of her own future. This resolute Afghan sculptor and illustrator has been trying for five years to find a way out of Iran and join her mother in Austria. The film is a subtly woven self-portrait that interweaves harrowing scenes of her escape attempts with political news from Afghanistan and videos of her singing and dancing – or showing her own bruises. Through masterful cinematography, often shot in dangerous conditions, and the protagonist's radiant energy, this empowering collaboration between an established filmmaker and a young, up-and-coming artist allows her to reclaim her identity.
Festivals and awards:
IDFA 2025 – Best Film / DOCVILLE 2026 – Jury Prize for Best International Documentary, Audience Award / PORDENONE DOCS FEST 2026 – Grand Jury Prize / ONE WORLD IFF 2025 – Best Direction in the International Competition / CPH: DOX 2026 / HOT DOCS 2026 / ZAGREBDOX 2026 – Grand Seal in the International Competition