Iranian Teacher’s Story Unfolds in Clandestine Film ‘Roya’

The film *Roya*, directed by Iranian filmmaker Mahnaz Mohammadi, tells the story of an imprisoned teacher facing a harrowing choice: make a forced televised confession or remain confined to a small cell. This poignant narrative reflects Mohammadi’s own experiences and marks her return to filmmaking after a prolonged absence due to government restrictions. *Roya* is set to premiere on February 14, 2024, in the Panorama program of the Berlin International Film Festival.

In *Roya*, the lead character, portrayed by Turkish actress Melisa Sözen, is trapped in Evin Prison, a notorious facility in Tehran known for detaining political prisoners. The film encapsulates the struggle of countless individuals entangled in oppressive systems. Mohammadi, who has faced significant personal challenges for her activism and film work, draws from her own life to present a story that resonates widely.

Mahnaz Mohammadi gained recognition with her first film, the 2003 documentary *Women Without Shadows*. Since her debut, she has faced repeated persecution, which included multiple arrests and a seven-year prison sentence under charges of “endangering national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” Although her sentence was later overturned, she continues to live under strict surveillance.

The cast of *Roya* includes actors such as Maryam Palizban, Hamidreza Djavdan, Mohammad Ali Hosseinalipour, Bacho Meburishvili, and Gholamhassan Taseiri. The film’s visual storytelling is crafted by cinematographer Ashkan Ashkani, while editing is managed by Esmaeel Monsef. The film is produced by Farzad Pak at Hamburg-based PakFilm, in collaboration with multiple production companies including Europe Media Nest and Amour Fou.

Mahnaz Mohammadi describes the film as a reflection on how solitary confinement alters perception and identity, making resistance feel increasingly fragile. “The raw material comes from my lived experience… but it is also many people’s experience,” she told *The Hollywood Reporter*. This multi-layered approach to storytelling aims to evoke a sense of empathy and understanding among viewers.

The decision to cast Melisa Sözen stemmed from Mohammadi’s admiration for her performance in the acclaimed film *Winter Sleep*. She recalls a pivotal moment of connection with Sözen’s portrayal that deeply resonated with her own experiences. “I felt, ‘Oh, my God, I understand her,’” Mohammadi remarked. This emotional bond was crucial in bringing authenticity to the character of Roya.

Cinema holds a special significance for Mohammadi, serving as a form of resistance against silence and suppression. She emphasizes that storytelling can challenge the fears instilled by oppressive regimes. The film delves into themes of memory, trauma, and the struggle for identity amidst societal pressures. Mohammadi explains, “To narrate this film, I couldn’t follow the classic narration in cinema… I had to follow the concept and structure of unconsciousness.”

The narrative structure of *Roya* mirrors the fragmented nature of memory and reality often experienced by those under oppression. Mohammadi notes that suppression can manifest in various forms, not just from the state but also within personal relationships. “Sometimes suppression comes from the family, the husband, wife, anybody,” she states. This complexity adds depth to the film, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences with truth and trust.

Mahnaz Mohammadi’s commitment to her craft required significant personal sacrifices. She had to remain hidden to work on *Roya*, distancing herself from loved ones. “I became the loneliest person just to make it, like a soldier,” she shared. Despite these challenges, her resolve to create impactful cinema remained steadfast.

Looking to the future, Mohammadi expresses a nuanced understanding of hope. “I think everybody has their own definition of hope,” she says. “Hope is not just a destination, but a way of living. And cinema is part of my practicing [that].” Through *Roya*, she aims to inspire dialogue and awareness about the realities faced by many in oppressive environments, reminding viewers of the power of storytelling in the face of adversity.