A Couple Representing Iranian Women and Men
Today, I was super energized—happy and courageous. The great news of In the Shadow of the Cypress winning an award, thanks to the magnificent couple Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi, filled me with pride.
My first reaction? Let’s wait and see who they are.
But then, I looked closer. Oh, wait… this couple is truly, truly independent. Look at them!
As an Iranian, whenever you hear about someone winning an award, you instinctively wonder: Are they truly independent, or is this another case of recognition being handed to those who serve a specific agenda? Over the years, some Iranian figures—whether in politics or the arts—have been internationally recognized not because they shed light on the true struggles of Iranians, but because their narratives align with a particular agenda. Their work often portrays one-sided stories, misplaces blame, and ultimately contributes to maintaining chaos for the Iranian people rather than helping them. This feels like a slap in the face to those who actually endure oppression daily. *
Meanwhile, Nowruz is approaching. The dollar is nearing 100,000 tomans. Poverty and hardship overshadow the celebrations. And in the midst of all this, nobody seems to care.
"We are being buried alive. Do you realize how important it is for just one Iranian name to survive in these times?"
No promotion from feminist campaigns. No loud praise from certain political circles. And in some cases, they are even judged.
Which means—they are real. They are not funded by the enemies of Iran.
I want to wish them the best of luck. Their win is a reminder that Iranian art, even in the darkest times, continues to breathe.
About the Movie
In the Shadow of the Cypress is a stop-motion animation that tells the story of a man who carries the memories of his homeland within him. The film explores themes of immigration, nostalgia, and love for Iran—without noise or slogans, only with poetry and silence.
🎥 Watch their emotional Oscar acceptance speech here: [Video Link]
Follow them on Instagram:
Breaking Down the Movie Name
For those curious about the Persian title, let's break it down word by word:
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دَر (dar) – In
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سایه (Sāyeh) – Shadow
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سرو (Sarv) – Cypress tree
A Cypress is a deeply symbolic tree in Persian culture, representing resilience, eternity, and freedom. The title itself evokes a poetic image—something hidden yet enduring, much like the themes explored in the film.
Learn more about the story behind In the Shadow of the Cypress and it's creators
Read and interesting interview with them right here
It is also available to watch here:
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*Figures such as Shirin Ebadi (political), Narges Mohammadi (political), and Marjane Satrapi (artistic), there are many more examples, have received significant recognition in the West, not necessarily for representing the full reality of Iran, but for furthering certain narratives.
