Iranian Documentary Highlights Dissent Amidst Brutality

The documentary short *Memories of a Window*, directed by Mehraneh Salimian and Amin Pakparvar, premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, focusing on the anti-government protests in Iran that erupted in late 2022. The film is dedicated to Shirin Alizadeh, a woman who was fatally shot by security forces while filming protests from her car. Her last words, “Film it!”, encapsulate the urgency and peril faced by those documenting dissent in Iran. Salimian and Pakparvar utilized a vast collection of approximately 2,000 anonymous smartphone videos, alongside their own footage, to illustrate the brutality of the regime and the resilience of the protesters.

The protests, which began in response to restrictions on women's rights, particularly the compulsory hijab, evolved into a broader movement against the Iranian government. Alizadeh's footage, captured during a violent crackdown in Salman Shahr, serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by individuals seeking to expose state violence. Amnesty International reported that Alizadeh was shot in the neck and head as she attempted to document the chaos, ultimately succumbing to her injuries in a hospital.

The Iranian government has employed strategies such as internet blackouts to stifle the dissemination of protest footage. Despite these efforts, activists have utilized technologies like Starlink satellites to share videos of the ongoing violence. Pakparvar noted, “Every day we see more and more videos of the massacre. It’s heartbreaking.” The filmmakers emphasize that the courage of individuals filming from their homes or cars has been crucial in countering the state's narrative and fostering a sense of solidarity among protesters.

Salimian expressed hope that their documentary could help isolate this critical period in Iranian history, stating, “Although there has since been even more brutality happening, more violence, that period was important too.” The film has resonated with audiences in Chicago, drawing parallels to global movements for freedom, including the Black Lives Matter protests in the United States and the situation in China during the COVID-19 lockdown.

While the filmmakers remain optimistic about the future of Iran, they acknowledge the ongoing challenges posed by the regime. The Iranian government has faced significant criticism for its violent suppression of dissent, with thousands reportedly killed during the protests. The filmmakers’ inability to attend the Berlin premiere due to travel restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump in 2025 further highlights the oppressive environment faced by dissidents.

• “Film it!” — Shirin Alizadeh, Victim of State Violence

• “It’s their courage that is contagious and although they have been suppressed, they see the value of uprising again and again.” — Amin Pakparvar, Co-Director

• “We are pretty hopeful to be honest. They can’t control it any more,” — Amin Pakparvar, Co-Director

The Berlin Film Festival continues to support Iranian filmmakers, with participants advocating for freedom through performances and public displays. The ongoing struggle for human rights in Iran remains a focal point for international attention and solidarity.