The Cinematheque

“An urgent story of the fight for women’s rights … It remains gripping regardless of whether one knows the outcome.”

Pat Mullen, POV Magazine

Tehran, July 2007: Reyhaneh Jabbari, 19, has a business meeting with a new client. When he tries to rape her, she stabs him in self-defense. Later that day, she is arrested for murder. Her trial results in a death penalty sentence. Thanks to personal and secretly recorded videos provided by Reyhaneh’s family, their testimonies, and the letters written by Reyhaneh in prison, the film retraces the fate of a woman who becomes a symbol of resistance and women’s rights even beyond the borders of Iran. With Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Best Actress, Holy Spider, Cannes 2022) as the voice of Reyhaneh. —Official synopsis

In Farsi with English subtitles

Post-screening audience discussion moderated by PELAN.

Compass Perspektive Award
Berlinale 2023

“For those interested in human rights, true-crime, masterful documentaries, or cinema that is urgent, compelling, and profoundly moving, this is strongly recommended.”

Fay Nass, VIFF 2023