The film “Roya” delves into the harrowing experience of an Iranian teacher imprisoned for her political beliefs. Set against the backdrop of Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, the narrative centers on Roya, who must choose between making a coerced televised confession or enduring solitary confinement in her minuscule three-square-meter cell. This powerful story marks the return of Iranian writer-director Mahnaz Mohammadi to the cinematic landscape after a five-year hiatus since her debut feature, “Son-Mother,” released in 2019.
“Roya” will have its world premiere in the Panorama program of the Berlin International Film Festival on February 14, 2024. Mohammadi faced significant obstacles in producing this film, notably the lack of official permissions, leading her to shoot the project underground. The film features Turkish actress Melisa Sözen, known for her roles in “Winter Sleep” and “The Bureau,” alongside a talented cast that includes Maryam Palizban, Hamidreza Djavdan, and others.
Mahnaz Mohammadi is no stranger to the struggles faced by her protagonist. The filmmaker has endured repeated persecution for her activism and films, which has included multiple arrests and a seven-year prison sentence on charges of “endangering national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” According to the Berlin festival’s website, she has spent months in Evin Prison, where she was subjected to surveillance and severe restrictions even after her sentence was overturned.
The creative team behind “Roya” includes cinematographer Ashkan Ashkani, with editing managed by Esmaeel Monsef. The film is produced by Farzad Pak at Hamburg-based PakFilm, in collaboration with Europe Media Nest from the Czech Republic, Amour Fou from Luxembourg, and several prominent German broadcasters, including NDR and ARD Degeto Film. The project also received support from MOIN Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein, Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, and the Film Fund Luxembourg.
Exploring Themes of Resistance and Identity
“Roya” aims to portray the profound effects of solitary confinement on an individual’s perception and identity, revealing how such experiences can undermine the possibility of resistance. Mohammadi explains, “The raw material comes from my lived experience… but it is also the experience of many people.”
The decision to cast Melisa Sözen in the lead role stemmed from a personal connection Mohammadi felt after watching her performance in “Winter Sleep.” “There was a moment with Melisa in that film where she is just in silence and gave me this feeling that I started crying,” Mohammadi recalls. This emotional resonance prompted her to reach out to Sözen, who embraced the role with enthusiasm.
Mahnaz Mohammadi’s commitment to cinema reflects a broader resistance against oppression. She believes that storytelling can combat silence and fear. The themes of memory, suppression, and trauma are intricately woven into the fabric of “Roya.” Mohammadi notes that to narrate this story, she had to abandon conventional cinematic techniques. “I learned that for this story, I had to follow the concept and structure of unconsciousness,” she explains. This approach encompasses a fragmented narrative that mirrors the chaos experienced by those living under suppression.
Personal Sacrifices for Art
Creating “Roya” demanded significant personal sacrifices from Mohammadi. She distanced herself from friends and family during the filming process, emphasizing the need for solitude to focus on her work. “I became the loneliest person just to make it, like a soldier,” she states. Her dedication extends beyond “Roya,” as she also undertakes documentary projects, including one for Channel Four in the UK.
Reflecting on her hopes for the future, Mohammadi expresses a nuanced understanding of hope. She states, “I think everybody has their own definition of hope… And I think through my life experience, I learned that hope is not just a destination, but a way of living. And cinema is part of my practicing [that].”
As “Roya” prepares for its debut at the Berlin International Film Festival, it stands not only as a testament to Mahnaz Mohammadi’s resilience but also as a compelling exploration of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and resist in the face of overwhelming adversity.
