AFSAR SONIA SHAFIE

2023

Documentary, 66 min

Director & Editor: Afsar Sonia Shafie

Written & Produced by: Martin A. Frei & Afsar Sonia Shafie

Camera: Martin A. Frei & Saeed Pour Esmaeili

Set against a backdrop of escalating divisions, 'Children of the Revolution' delves into the lives of two young men from Tehran, Iran, each shaped by paradoxically different family backgrounds, resulting in contrasting views and ideas. Arash is an atheist and heavy-metal enthusiast. For him, metal is a symbol of hope and defiance in a country where both Western pop culture music and expressing opposition towards the theocratic leadership are banned and deemed unlawful. His life is juxtaposed with that of Amir Arab, a devout Shia Muslim and staunch supporter of the supreme leader of the Islamic regime of Iran, Ali Khamenei. Their distinct upbringings have so profoundly influenced their personalities that their visions of an ideal society are irreconcilably divergent. 

“Children of the Revolution” not only explores these contrasts but also provides a poignant commentary on identity, belief, and the struggle for individualism.

2006

Documentary, 35mm, 87 min, Switzerland/ Iran/ HUGOFILM/ Zurich/

In times where headlines about the so called "Culture Clash" hunt each other, the Iranian filmmaker Afsar Sonia Shafie tells us a different story. It is the story of her grandmother, her mother and herself. In a very private and exemplary way the film tells us about how women fight for their right to progress. A fascinating, personal film about strong women in Iran.

Awards
2006 Vision du Reél, Nyon / Regards Neufs Jury Award & SUISSIMAGE Award
2008 IFFI, 17th International Film Festival, Innsbruck / Best Documentary Award

2004

Co-direction with Martin A. Frei, (Video, DV 110 sec) Co-production
Martin Frei & Afsar Sonia Shafie/ and Police film Festival Teheran, Selected and presented in Police film festival, TEHERAN 2004

2004

Co-direction with Martin A. Frei (Video Performance, DV 9’43”min, Iran /Switzerland, Premier at the
World Wide Video Festival/Amsterdam/ selected and screened at the new media art festival, Seoul 2004)