Director’s Statement:

The Association of Iranian Film and Theater Artists Abroad (AIFTAA), was inspired by the Iranian women’s movement in 2022.  We wanted to stand beside the women and men of all ages and backgrounds who arose together to uphold the rights of women, in protest of the tragic death of Mahsa Amini.

 As an independent filmmaker and one of the founding members, I participated over the past two years with our association to issue a lot of statements condemning the abuses of power by the Iranian regime.  Although these were good steps, I felt our words were not enough.  I felt an urgent need for an action to support and uplift the rights of women in Iran, and around the world.  In essence, the “Women, Life Freedom” movement is seeking to overcome all hierarchies and discrimination to find justice and equality, including in the areas of religion, race, gender, and socio-economics.  These ideas came together in my mind to create the vision for the “Woman, Life, Freedom” Film Festival.

 The positive response of filmmakers around the globe to this film festival has been unexpected, despite an absence of media coverage or advertising.  During the 40 days we accepted submissions, we received 2594 films.

 We are happy that launching this festival has made a difference already.  We are striving to make the festival better and more effective in the years to come.  The fact that we got more than 2000 films from outside of Iran proves that seeking for equality and justice transcends man-made borders.

 Empowering the voices for justice and equality should not be limited to the six days of the Festival.  It should be a year-long activity which continues until we have reached our goal of equality together.  Please consider how you would like to support equality in our world today.