Full Breakdown
Women Filmmakers Challenge Patriarchy in Afghanistan and Iran
2/18/2026, 11:28:47 PM
Contrasting Cinematic Approaches to Injustice
Two female filmmakers, Shahrbanoo Sadat from Afghanistan and Mahnaz Mohammadi from Iran, have premiered their films at the Berlin International Film Festival, each addressing the injustices faced by women in their respective countries through distinct genres. Sadat's "No Good Men" is Afghanistan's first romantic comedy, while Mohammadi's "Roya" is a psychological drama depicting the harrowing experiences of women in Iranian prisons. Despite their differing styles, both films reflect the filmmakers' personal experiences with the oppressive environments in which they live.
Shahrbanoo Sadat's "No Good Men"
"No Good Men," which opened the festival on February 12, follows Naru, a camerawoman navigating her professional and personal life in Kabul just before the Taliban's resurgence. Sadat portrays Naru as a single mother who faces harassment while exploring new relationships. The film highlights the limited freedoms enjoyed by a privileged class of women in Afghanistan, who can discuss their lives openly within a "small bubble" of relative independence. However, Sadat emphasizes that this bubble is fragile, as women outside urban centers often lose their autonomy due to deeply entrenched patriarchal norms.
Sadat critiques the so-called era of democracy in Afghanistan, arguing that while international funding aimed to empower women, it often failed to reach those in need. "Very little changed in women's daily lives," she states, pointing to corruption within NGOs that profited from the narrative of women's rights without effecting real change. Sadat's choice to create a romantic comedy was a response to the dominant portrayal of Afghanistan as a war-torn nation, asserting that Afghans deserve to tell stories that include humor and humanity.
Mahnaz Mohammadi's "Roya"
In stark contrast, Mahnaz Mohammadi's "Roya" presents a grim reality within Iran's Evin prison, focusing on the psychological toll of torture on its inmates. The film's protagonist, Roya, endures physical and mental abuse as she is coerced into making a forced confession. Mohammadi, who has experienced imprisonment herself, uses her film to explore the lasting impact of repression. She notes, "For many prisoners, silence is the last way you can resist," highlighting the struggle for agency in an oppressive environment.
The film gains additional relevance amid ongoing protests in Iran, where the government's violent crackdown has led to significant casualties. Estimates of the death toll vary widely, with official figures acknowledging 3,000 deaths, while independent reports suggest numbers may exceed 30,000. Mohammadi filmed parts of "Roya" clandestinely in Iran, aiming to amplify the voices of the silenced.
Conclusion: A Cinematic Resistance
Both Sadat and Mohammadi exemplify how women filmmakers are using their art to challenge patriarchal systems and highlight the struggles faced by women in Afghanistan and Iran. While Sadat's work offers a glimpse of hope and humor amidst adversity, Mohammadi's film serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of oppression. Through their storytelling, these filmmakers not only reclaim their narratives but also provide a platform for the voices of those who have been silenced.
Verbatim Quotes
- "Very little changed in women's daily lives. Many NGOs and individuals became wealthy, while the women they claimed to support did not." — Shahrbanoo Sadat
- "For many prisoners, silence is the last way you can resist." — Mahnaz Mohammadi
- "This is my way of expressing myself, to go through the oceans of unprocessed feelings and traumas — not only personal, but also historical and social." — Shahrbanoo Sadat
