Inside the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protest movement in Iran | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Woman Life Freedom (Xinian Azadi): The Kurdish slogan adopted by the protest movement in Iran.
• Moral Police/Security Forces: The Iranian regime's enforcers of strict Islamic laws, often responsible for violence and arrests.
• Veil (Hijab): The mandatory head covering for women in Iran, its improper wearing can lead to arrest.
• VPN: Software used to mask location and bypass internet censorship.
• Revolutionary Guard/Secret Service: The intelligence and security forces of the Iranian regime, responsible for arrests and suppression of dissent.
• Solitary Confinement: A form of imprisonment where a prisoner is isolated from all human contact.
• Economic Sanctions: International restrictions on Iran's economy, contributing to poverty and hardship.
• State Propaganda: Information disseminated by the Iranian government to promote its ideology and suppress dissent.

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Shuresh's Mission

Shuresh, a 37-year-old Iranian filmmaker, explains his decision to document the "Woman Life Freedom" revolt sparked by the death of Gina Masa Amini in September 2022. He emphasizes the extreme risks involved, including the potential for a death sentence if his identity is revealed. He connects with VJ, a filmmaker in Europe, to co-produce a documentary, sending footage for editing due to the dangers of filming and storing material within Iran.

The Risks and Precautions

Shuresh details the precautions taken to avoid detection by the security forces: using cell phones for discreet filming, encrypting communication, and frequently changing accounts and passwords. He highlights the slow internet speeds and the need for VPNs to bypass censorship and send footage to VJ.

Mitra and Arash: A Forbidden Love

Mitra, an 18-year-old accounting student, is introduced as a determined activist who defies her religious family and societal norms. She and her boyfriend, Arash, 19, represent the younger generation's desire for freedom and a normal relationship, which is nearly impossible under the strict Islamic laws. An example is given of Mitra visiting Arash's house and his mother being furious and slapping both of them. They dream of a future where they can hold hands and kiss in public.

The Difficulty of Finding Participants

Shuresh describes the fear that prevents many Iranians from speaking out. An acquaintance backs out of the project due to fear of the consequences.

Carve: The Taxi Driver's Perspective

Carve, a 28-year-old taxi driver, agrees to participate, representing the economic hardships and lack of opportunity faced by many Iranians. He recounts his difficult past, including his father's drug addiction and his own inability to complete his university studies. He expresses his frustration with the corruption and inequality, questioning why people don't protest more despite the risks.

Golbahar: The Artist's Expression

Golbahar, a 24-year-old painter from a wealthy family, uses her art to express her anger and protest against the regime. She recounts an incident where her artwork, a portrait of a woman with visible hair, was censored at an exhibition. She and her friends painted a picture after the death of Masa Amini.

Mitra's Escape and Activism

Mitra escapes her family by pretending to go to Tehran for school, instead joining Arash in the protests. They face constant danger of arrest. Mitra is shown participating in a protest, wearing a mask and gloves to avoid identification.

Dr. Sububani: The Underground Doctor

Dr. Sububani, a doctor who secretly treats wounded demonstrators, is featured. He explains his motivation for helping, stemming from his family's history with the regime and his outrage at the violence against protesters, particularly the death of Masa Amini. He recounts treating a young girl whose eye was popped out of its socket by a baton.

The Escalating Repression

Shuresh notes that by February 2023, there was a feeling that the regime might be overthrown. However, the reality of everyday life brought them back down to earth. He describes the regime's increasing use of surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and state propaganda to suppress the protests.

Carve's Arrest and Disappearance

Carve is arrested by the Secret Service of the Revolutionary Guard. His mother is left desperate and searching for him.

Mitra's Continued Defiance

Mitra continues to defy the regime, even as her parents pressure her to conform.

VJ's Arrest and Escape

VJ is arrested but manages to escape, warning Shuresh not to contact her.

The Human Cost

Shuresh cites reports of nearly 600 people killed, including dozens of children, and over 20,000 arrested. He mentions the executions and disappearances, including Carve. Carve's mother is shown visiting police stations and prisons, desperately seeking information about her son.

New Forms of Resistance

As protests become rarer due to increased repression, new forms of resistance emerge. Golbahar writes messages of hope to keep people's spirits up. Carve's mother releases a white dove, hoping for his release.

Mitra and Arash's Love in Defiance

Mitra and Arash continue to express their love openly, defying the regime's restrictions. Mitra removes her veil in public as an act of protest.

Carve's Release

After months of searching, Carve's mother finally secures his release. Carve recounts his experience in solitary confinement, where he was told he had been sentenced to 20 years in prison. He and his mother are reunited, but they are aware that they are still being watched.

Shuresh's Departure

Shuresh decides to leave Iran, fearing that he is about to be arrested. He reflects on his journey and expresses his hope to return when the Islamic Republic collapses.

Conclusion

The documentary concludes with Shuresh leaving Iran, uncertain of the future but determined to continue documenting the struggle for freedom. The film highlights the courage and resilience of the Iranian people in the face of oppression.