A Short Documentary Total duration: 7 minutes
WHO WE ARE:
We are a group of students from Iran, bound by a shared dream of freedom. We are human rights activists, artists, and storytellers who refuse to stay silent in the face of oppression. Our fight is not just for our homeland—it is for every voice that has been silenced, for every right that has been stripped away, and for a world where equality is not a privilege but a fundamental truth. Through art, we amplify the unheard. We believe that stories have the power to ignite change, and that performative arts can be a weapon against injustice. In a world where voices are censored, we turn our pain into creation, our resistance into movement, and our vision into action. We will not stop until freedom is not a distant dream but a reality for all. The project will be submitted to and broadcast through Kingston School of Art in the UK. Additionally, it will be submitted to several documentary film festivals for public release.
INTRODUCTION:
In September 2022, Iran was shaken by a tragedy that ignited a movement. Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman, was arrested by the so-called "morality police" in Tehran for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly. Within hours of her detention, she was brutally beaten and fell into a coma. Three days later, on September 16, she was pronounced dead. Her death was not just another case of repression—it was a spark that set an entire nation on fire.What followed was an unprecedented uprising. Women, young and old, tore off their hijabs in defiance, chanting "Woman, Life, Freedom," a slogan that became the heartbeat of a revolution. The streets of Iran turned into battlegrounds for freedom, as protesters risked their lives to demand justice, equality, and an end to decades of oppression. The regime responded with bullets, arrests, and brutal crackdowns. Yet, the movement did not fade—it evolved. Three years later, the fight continues, carried forward by those who refuse to be silenced.
This documentary tells the story of one such fighter—an 18-year-old boy who stood against injustice and paid the price. Shot in his eye and body in the streets during the protests, his story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of a generation that refuses to surrender. Through his voice, we bring the echoes of the revolution to the world, ensuring that the struggle for freedom is neither forgotten nor in vain.
OBJECTIVES:
To amplify the voices of brave young fighters, ensuring their sacrifices are heard across the world. To bear witness to the unyielding spirit of a revolution that persists, even three years later. To inspire unity in the face of oppression and ignite a global stand against the relentless suppression of human rights.
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
The documentary opens with archival news footage covering Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody. It then transitions to an animated sequence, where the story is narrated from the protester’s perspective. A symbolic dance performance follows, representing the resilience and hope of Iranians fighting for freedom.
The core of the film is a four-minute interview with the protester, exploring their motivations, experiences, and reflections on the movement’s impact three years later. Their voice will serve as the narration for the animated documentary, bringing their story to life.
WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS:
This project gives a voice to the brave individuals risking everything for freedom. Through documentary storytelling and animation, we aim to preserve their sacrifices, ensuring the world never forgets. With your support, we can bring this story to the global stage, challenging oppression and amplifying the voices of those still fighting. Your donation will help us create a lasting impact—one that educates, inspires, and demands action. Join us in making sure their sacrifice was not in vain.
CREW:
Directors: Parnia Hezareh, Artin Vazirian
Producer: Parnia hezareh
Dancer: Mahan Abtahi
Animator: Pooyan Dalir
DOP: Artin Vazirian
Editor: Artin Vazirian
First AC: Aidan Salmassian
Translation: Amna Sarmad
FIND US HERE:
@artinvazirian
@parnia_hez
BUDGET PLANING:
Pre-Production Budget
These incredibly generous and humble individuals are dedicating their time and creative minds to this project free of charge:
• Producer (5 weeks) = £0
• Director (5 weeks) = £0
• DOP (Director of Photography) = £0
• First Assistant Camera = £0
• Translator (Persian to English) = £0
Week One:
• Hiring a dancer (for two rehearsal days and one production day) = £140
Week Two:
• Studio rehearsals (dancer, light department, and camera assistant for 3 days) = £200
(Includes travel expenses and food on set)
Subtotal: £340
Production Budget
• Runner = £0
• One production day (travel expenses and food on set) = £150
Subtotal: £150
Post-Production Budget
• Licensing and clearance = £100
• Editor (2 weeks) = £200
• Animators (3 weeks + meetings) = £300
Subtotal: £600
Contingency (10%)
• Additional buffer for unexpected costs = £109
Total Budget: £1,199
Beyond the Budget:
If any funds remain, they will be dedicated to submitting this project to various film festivals. We hope to share this work with the world in the most impactful way possible taking a step toward a better, more thoughtful world.
Please help us to make this happen.
Help Us Make a Difference!
We need your support to spread the word! The more people who hear about our project, the greater the impact we can make. You don’t have to donate to help—simply share our mission with your friends, family, and networks. Post about it on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or even mention it in a conversation, an email, or a blog. Every share brings us one step closer to success.
Of course, if you are able to contribute, we’d be incredibly grateful. Your support will help turn this vision into reality. Let’s make this happen together!
