New film ‘That Night’ tells story of woman who survived fire at infamous Iranian prison

Key Concepts

• Woman, Life, Freedom Movement: A protest movement in Iran sparked by the death of Masa Zena Amini in 2022.
• Evin Prison: A notorious prison in Tehran, Iran, known for holding political prisoners.
• Masa Zena Amini: The individual whose death in 2022, following arrest for improper hijab, ignited widespread protests.
• Neda Naji: A survivor of the Evin prison fire and the subject of the short film "That Night."
• Animation as a Storytelling Medium: The use of animation to humanize stories of violence and oppression, moving beyond statistics.
• Government Oppression and Information Control: The regime's use of prisons to silence dissent and its efforts to prevent information about prison conditions from being released.
• Resilience of the Movement: The ongoing struggle of Iranian women for basic rights despite government pressure.

The Evin Prison Fire and "That Night"

The transcript discusses the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement in Iran, which gained momentum following the death of Masa Zena Amini in 2022. Amini was arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly, and her subsequent death led to widespread protests. Thousands of individuals, including women and children, were arrested in the aftermath and many were held at Evin prison in Tehran.

A significant event discussed is a fire that occurred at Evin prison, which endangered the lives of the detainees. Details surrounding this fire and the experiences of the prisoners remain scarce, even three years later. The short film "That Night" aims to shed light on this event through the firsthand account of Neda Naji, a survivor of the fire and a friend of the film's director, Hoda Subani.

Director's Motivation and Neda Naji's Account

Hoda Subani explains her strong motivation to tell Neda Naji's story. Having had friends imprisoned due to political activities since she was 19, including during the 2009 Green Movement, Subani felt compelled to help Naji process the trauma of her experience. The fire at Evin prison had a profound impact on both Naji and Subani, as well as many others, and was a major international news event. Subani views the prison as a tool of oppression used by the Iranian government to silence opponents, highlighting the regime's deliberate efforts to control information about prison conditions. This is exemplified by Naji being told by guards not to speak about her experience after her release.

Despite the potential risks, Naji was not afraid to speak out. Subani notes Naji's bravery, stating that the first interview took place just days after her release to ensure the details of the night were remembered. The film's production was kept secret within Iran, and public discussion only began after Naji relocated to Germany.

The Choice of Animation

Subani chose animation as the primary medium for "That Night" for several reasons. She believes animation is a familiar artistic form that shapes how people, especially children, receive and learn stories. In authoritarian countries like Iran, people are constantly exposed to news of violence, which can desensitize them and reduce individuals to mere numbers and statistics. Subani argues that animation can elevate viewers beyond these routine headlines, refocusing attention on the human story and individual experience.

Mystery Surrounding the Fire and Public Discourse

The circumstances of the Evin prison fire remain largely unknown, with questions about its origin and those involved still unanswered. Subani attributes this lack of information to the nature of prisons, which create physical and communicative barriers between people. This isolation prevents a unified understanding of events, making it difficult to ascertain the truth. While those outside the prison saw footage of the fire, those inside reported hearing gunshots and tear gas. The film aims to uncover more information and the truth about that night.

The "Woman, Life, Freedom" Movement's Strength

Subani discusses the current state of the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement. She notes that in many cities across Iran, women are no longer adhering to mandatory hijab laws. However, she observes that the patriarchal Iranian government is reacting with anger and is attempting to reassert pressure through legal systems, including marriage and civil rights laws. Despite these challenges, Subani expresses confidence in the resilience of her friends and others in Iran, who are actively finding ways to resist the system and demand their fundamental rights.

Conclusion

The short film "That Night" serves as a powerful testament to the human cost of political oppression and the importance of bearing witness to traumatic events. Through Neda Naji's courageous account and Hoda Subani's artistic vision, the film humanizes the experiences of those affected by the Evin prison fire and underscores the ongoing struggle for freedom and basic rights in Iran. The film highlights the government's efforts to control narratives and the resilience of individuals in seeking truth and justice.