Mahnaz Mohammadi's 'Roya': Confronting Torture Through Fiction

Iranian documentary filmmaker and women's rights activist, Mahnaz Mohammadi, turns to fiction in her upcoming film 'Roya.' The film addresses her harrowing experiences of torture within Tehran's Evin prison.

Set to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, 'Roya' tells the story of a fictional teacher detained in the notorious prison, drawing from Mohammadi's personal, yet censored experiences. Having faced arrests on charges of endangering national security, Mohammadi explains that true portrayal would be unbearable for viewers.

Filming 'Roya' underground, Mohammadi creates an evocative first-person perspective reflecting life inside Evin. Known for holding political prisoners, Evin has a grim reputation marred by routine torture allegations. 'Roya' mirrors broader experiences beyond her own, arriving at a time when Iran faces international scrutiny over its rights record.