Synopsis
Against the backdrop of the “Women, Life, Freedom” protest movement in Tehran, filmmaker Elahe Esmaili is helping her parents to pack up the family home. As the boxes stack up, discussions flare between the generations: Elahe does not wear the hijab, embodying the courage of her generation’s struggles. But can changing a society be as simple as moving house?
A word from Tënk
A Move pays tribute to Mahsa Amini and to all Iranian women who have been victims of the Iranian government’s repressive policies. The slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” has become a symbol of feminist solidarity, and women’s clothing in Iran is now at the center of political debate. Since 1983, Iran has silenced women’s voices and restricted their freedom of expression.
Elahe embodies this symbol of resistance in a country marked by repression. Her struggle is subtle yet powerful: she does not abandon her values, but seeks to reconcile her fight with the love she has for her family and respect for their different rhythms. Elahe’s strength lies in her wisdom and calm. Her struggle is guided by a subtle intelligence that allows her to be heard by those close to her. She works to gently shift habits ingrained for more than 45 years, showing that every voice matters and that the fight for freedom concerns all women in Iran, not only those who actively choose to fight. Elahe refocuses the debate on the choice and freedom to wear—or not wear—the veil, rather than on its prohibition.
While America positions itself as the savior of Iranian women—yet bombs schools and kills young girls—this film reminds us that true liberation must always come from within.
Jade Péré
Member of the programming team
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