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Renowned Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has unveiled his latest cinematic endeavor, titled ‘Sense of Water’. This short film, which is his first project created outside of Iran, has been acquired for worldwide distribution by the esteemed sales agency Films Boutique. Premiering at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, this 39-minute piece serves as a poignant follow-up to his critically acclaimed work, ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’.
Context and Inspiration Behind ‘Sense of Water’
The narrative of ‘Sense of Water’ centers around an Iranian writer named Ali, who finds himself in a state of exile. He retreats to a glass cabin situated in a remote northern region, accompanied by his past love, Nazanin. The film explores the profound silence of the polar night as Ali grapples with the decision to return to Iran, despite the looming threat of imprisonment. This reflects Rasoulof’s own emotional turmoil after fleeing Iran to escape a harsh punishment imposed by the authorities for his previous film.
Reflections on Language and Emotion
In his director’s statement, Rasoulof reveals that his personal experiences as an exile significantly influenced the film’s storyline. He expresses a deep sense of loss regarding his ability to convey genuine emotions in a foreign language. “The first thing I realized I lost was the capacity to feel words in a meaningful way,” he stated. This sentiment resonates throughout the film, highlighting a crucial theme: the challenge of reconnecting with one’s emotions amidst the dislocation of exile.
Rasoulof elaborates on this struggle, explaining that the gap between understanding a word and truly feeling it can create a profound disconnection. For him, the journey of a person in exile is not only about physical displacement but also about a deeper rupture between language and emotion, which the film seeks to portray.
The Broader Significance of ‘Sense of Water’
Given the ongoing turmoil in Iran, particularly the violent repression of protests leading to numerous deaths, the film’s release is timely. Films Boutique’s CEO, Jean-Christophe Simon, noted that the film’s subject matter resonates painfully with current events in Rasoulof’s homeland. The film was produced by a talented team at Run Way Pictures in Hamburg and received backing from various film funds, including the recently established Displacement Film Fund, initiated by actress Cate Blanchett.
Global Collaboration and Support
The Displacement Film Fund aims to support filmmakers like Rasoulof, who create works reflecting the challenges faced by displaced individuals. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Hubert Bals Fund, has enabled Rasoulof and others to tell their stories with authenticity. Each filmmaker received substantial grants, allowing them to explore their narratives in a supportive environment.
During a press conference in Rotterdam, Rasoulof conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Iranian people suffering from the government’s brutality. He emphasized the importance of highlighting their plight, suggesting that while his personal journey is significant, the greater tragedy unfolding in Iran must remain at the forefront of discussions.
Conclusion: A Cinematic Reflection on Exile
‘Sense of Water’ stands out not just as a film but as a testament to the resilience of artists confronting the complexities of exile and identity. Through Ali’s story, Rasoulof invites audiences to reflect on the emotional landscapes that accompany displacement. As the film reaches a global audience, it serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding among those from different backgrounds.
The International Film Festival Rotterdam provides a platform for such vital narratives, and as Rasoulof continues to navigate his path as a filmmaker in exile, his work remains essential in illuminating the experiences of countless individuals facing similar challenges across the globe. As more stories like his emerge, they enrich the cinematic landscape and contribute to a more profound discourse on displacement and the human condition.