Although we often speak about feminism and diversity, our narratives remain marked by male perspectives. Homogeneity dominates. SHAHID deliberately breaks the rules of convention, including the fourth wall between creators and audiences that we are used to from films and visual representations. SHAHID is a challenge because it places femininity at the heart of things, not just in terms of appearances but also narrative. This is particularly important when we’re discussing feminist resistance against patriarchal structures and against the homogeneity of society. The film strives to bring new narratives to the mighty screen in order to rethink stories or at least to preserve current moments for the future as they are. The cinemigrante –the cinema of all faces and their stories in the Western world – and femininity are still very much lacking in the film industry to this day.
Narges Kalhor
Translation: James Lattimer
