IFFK 2022: Spirit of Cinema award winner Mahnaz Mohammadi makes a powerful statement

Even in her absence, Iranian filmmaker and activist Mahnaz Mohammadi made sure to make her message of revolution echo across the dais of the 27th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). The filmmaker, who won the Spirit of Cinema award at this year’s festival, was unable to attend the event due to travel restrictions, following her imprisonment by the Iranian authorities. The award was accepted on her behalf by Greek filmmaker and International Competition Jury Member Athena Rachel Tsangari.

In her acceptance speech, Tsangari said she felt honoured to receive the award on behalf of Mohammadi. Tsangari then held up a lock of Mohammadi’s hair which the filmmaker had sent, the gesture being received by thunderous applause from the crowd. As the applause died down, Tsangari read aloud the message Mohammadi had.

“This is my hair cut short to show my suffering. This symbolises the end of my suffering. Get up and move on. Many young people are killed and executed”, read the message. The message then went on to name some of the young activists who were executed by the Iranian authorities.

Urging people to stand in solidarity to reclaim their natural right, the message then declared 'Women. Life. Freedom. Zan. Zendegi. Azadi'. As she urged audiences to repeat the same, the chants echoed throughout the auditorium.

Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Ranjith spoke about how Mohammadi wanted to be there in person, and recounted the struggles she faced, being imprisoned by the Iranian authorities numerous times and having her film equipment being taken away. The filmmaker had managed to get to England to save herself, but had witnessed difficulties related to her Visa expiry.