“One Earth, One Country” – future Documentary in Postproduction
“One Earth, One Country” is a touching choral documentary film that intimately explores the lives of those who fled a dictatorship to preserve their artistic spirit. The film unveils the harrowing and honest tales of individuals leaving their homelands and families behind, driven by the indomitable desire to nurture their art. At its core, this heartfelt documentary is a profound exploration of the choices one faces when forced to abandon their roots, and the enduring consequences it has on everyone involved, as well as on the countries of origin and destination.
Centred on Iranian artists and the impact of exile on their creativity, “One Earth, One Country” takes a first-person approach. The filmmaker shares their own life as an artist living in exile, providing a genuine glimpse into the joys and struggles of everyday life. The documentary further delves into the lives of other Iranian artists, featuring interviews with 11 renowned figures, including filmmakers, actors, singers, writers, and visual artists. These insightful conversations reveal the challenges and barriers faced in their new environments, many of which have never been shared before.
The making of “One Earth, One Country” has been a journey fraught with risks. From smuggling footage into Iran, where the editor resides, to gathering deeply personal stories from the artists, the film’s creation has demanded dedication and courage. Among these narratives, the film touches upon heart-rending accounts of the difficulties of being in a foreign land that doesn’t feel like home and the sense of not belonging.
Logline:
“Colours of Exile” intimately explores the lives of Iranian artists abroad, capturing the dynamics of exile and multiculturalism. Focused on storytelling’s transformative power, the film unveils artists’ struggles, triumphs, and unique perspectives interwoven with the filmmakers’ experiences. A collaborative narrative, it captures the heartfelt tale of leaving Iran, navigating challenges, and the lasting consequences for artists pursuing dreams in foreign lands. “Colours of Exile” reveals the resilience demanded by migration, portraying the struggle to live, create, and express oneself in a new cultural landscape.
Synopsis:
“Colours of Exile” is an evocative and intimate documentary that follows an Iranian filmmaker in exile on a heartfelt journey to explore the experiences of fellow Iranian artists living abroad. Through personal interviews and authentic conversations, the film delves into the intricate dynamics of exile, multiculturalism, and their profound impacts on individual and artistic lives. With a focus on the transformative power of storytelling, the documentary unveils the struggles, triumphs, and unique perspectives of Iranian artists while interweaving the filmmakers’ own lives, including the insightful voices of their daughters. It is a collaborative documentary that weaves together the voices and experiences of those who fled the dictatorship, all in pursuit of their art. It chronicles the heartfelt and honest tale of the despair associated with leaving behind one’s country and family, as art is the lifeline that prevents our withering and languishing. This film explores the choices we are forced to make that have lasting consequences for everyone involved, as well as for the countries of origin and destination. Migration is far from easy, even for those fortunate enough to have the means and social standing to pursue their artistic dreams and relocate to Europe. It is a road riddled with challenges at every turn, demanding constant resilience. Leaving Iran begins a new struggle to live, create, and express ourselves in foreign lands.
Name of the artists who have been interviewed in the film:
Mohsen Makhmalbaf – Filmmaker – London
Niaz Nawab – Singer – Paris
Ebrahim Golestan- Filmmaker – London
Hossein Khosrojerdi- Visual Artist – London
Amir Ali Khosrojerdi- Rapper – London
Sousan Farokhnia- Actor – London
Sogand Soheili – Singer – London
Afshin Naghoni- Visual Artist – London
Maryam Hashemi- Visual Artist- London
Mitra Zahedi- Stage writer and Director – Berlin
Iraj Emami- Filmmaker, Actor and play writer – London.
Sogol Bayat – Dancer, Actress- Paris
Hamidreza Javdan – Actor – Paris
Film Description:
“Colours of Exile” is a captivating and deeply personal documentary that focuses on the impacts of exile on art, creativity, and identity. The film delves into the struggles, triumphs, and unique perspectives of Iranian artists residing in various corners of the world, shedding light on the complexities of adapting to new cultures while preserving their connection to their homeland. It is a choral documentary film embodying the voices and bodies of those who fled a dictatorship to continue making art. It is a harrowing and honest tale of leaving one’s country and family and the despair of being unable to create. The film reflects on the choices forced upon us and the lasting consequences for everyone involved.
In a departure from traditional documentary styles, the filmmaker weaves their own life into the narrative, exploring the impact on personal identity and the profound way it shapes creative expression. The movie adopts a reflective mode of documentary-making, capturing the on-camera moments and the backstage intricacies. This feature documentary involves a first-person approach, sharing my life as an artist in exile and interviewing 11 of the most famous Iranian artists. The film tackles subjects related to migration, generating viewer empathy for the struggle to find a new home, the search for identity, and the challenges of not belonging to the local culture.
“Colours of Exile” distinguishes itself through its human approach. It speaks from human to human, aiming to share stories of exile. Through the documentary, we explore themes of identity and creativity in exile, illuminating the challenges posed by language barriers, adapting to new cultures, and embracing multiculturalism. The film also uncovers why these artists were compelled to flee their home country and seek shelter abroad. “Colours of Exile” is not just my voice but a collective voice, representing the experiences of all Iranians, both artists and non-artists. Using my own life and family as a lens to portray the realities of exile, the film authentically shows the conditions and effects experienced by other artists. Notably, the decision to use my daughter’s voice as a narrative device brings a unique perspective to propel the story forward, reminiscent of the impactful storytelling techniques of esteemed filmmakers Abbas Kiarostami and Jafar Panahi.
Production process:
The production of this film has been challenging. For instance, the editor, who resides in Iran, took significant risks by handling the footage, as its discovery by the authorities could have severe consequences. However, driven by his journey of migration, he willingly participated.
As an individual, I have faced significant financial difficulties in completing this film, dedicating nearly four years of my life to its creation. However, nothing could deter my determination, knowing that the film would be seen, and the voices of these artists would be heard. I am immensely grateful that “Colours of Exile” has been completed and is now ready to be shared with the public.
Your support and consideration for “Colours of Exile” to present this powerful and unique documentary would mean a lot to me. The documentary, currently in its final post-production stage, has the picture look ready, and the film requires some finishing touches on music, sound mix and mastering, and colour grading to bring its powerful message to life. I have attached a link to our most recent cut (picture look) for your consideration.
Through the reflective mode of documentary filmmaking, “One Earth, One Country” not only captures what happens in front of the camera but also the essence of the behind-the-scenes process. With the filmmaker fully immersing themselves in the project, enlisting the participation of family, friends, and acquaintances, the film emerges as an authentic and honest portrayal of the losses and gains experienced through exile. The film’s themes resonate deeply, addressing migration, identity, the challenges of cultural integration, and the vital importance of nurturing creativity in the face of adversity.
“One Earth, One Country” stands out for its sincere approach, speaking to the audience on a human-to-human level. Rather than aiming to persuade, it aims to connect and share the experiences of these artists with the world. Through their heartfelt accounts, the film ultimately beckons viewers to be part of a collective journey, empathizing with the struggles and triumphs of those who sought refuge in a distant land, all in the pursuit of preserving their art and the essence of their being.