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REBEL FLESH presents films made by women filmmakers that examine the impact of revolutionary upheavals on families and the relationships that are shaped—and often shattered—by the brutal demands of ideological regimes. Focused on experiences in Iran or in the Iranian diaspora, these works reveal the impossibility of selfhood within systems that demand absolute obedience, highlighting how defining oneself becomes an act of revolt. In this context, the simplest acts of self-expression become revolutionary. These films capture the fleeting moments of freedom where individuals assert their identities, fight for their memories, and strive to memorialize themselves in ways that reflect their true selves, not the versions dictated by authoritarian forces. The program also considers the paradoxical relationship between religious authority and bodily control. It explores how regimes that define themselves through the regulation of bodies inadvertently provoke resistance through the very expressions they seek to suppress. Through intimate stories and diverse cinematic expressions, these films offer a powerful exploration of sovereignty, rebellion, and the enduring struggle to reclaim one's body as a site of personal and political autonomy.
REBEL FLESH is curated by Homa Sarabi and is co-presented by ArteEast and UnionDocs. This program is part of the legacy program Unpacking the ArteArchive, which preserves and presents 20 years of film and video programming by ArteEast. Selections from REBEL FLESH will be screened in-person at UnionDocs on February 19 followed by a discussion with Yasman Baghban and Nazanin Norouzi moderated by the curator. For more information about the in-person screening uniondocs.org. The full program will be screened online on artearchive.org from February 14 - 23, 2025.
In the religious Iranian city of Qom, there are many restrictions imposed on women in the name of ‘sexual safety’ – from the mandatory hijab to forced gender separation. Hossein grew up in this misogynistic and patriarchal context, but as a young boy he found himself subject to sexual assault by older men. Keeping a secret that no one should have to keep, this ordeal has followed him throughout his adult life. Now, with the help of his wife Elahe, he is confronting his trauma. In Elahe’s courageous and profoundly intimate film, a boxed mosquito net on the roof of the family home becomes a confessional space for conversations that have been waiting a lifetime to take place.
About the Director:
Elahe Esmaili is an MA alumna in directing at National Film and Television School, UK.She was ranked 1st on the university entrance exams (Konkour) and did her BA in film at Tehran University of Art.
Elahe’s first film was her BA graduation film, a short doc titled The Doll. It is awarded as Best International Short at Hot Docs 2021 and nominated/selected for prestigious awards like IDA, Critics Choice Awards, Student Academy Awards, One World Media Award as well as prestigious festivals include more that 10 Oscar qualifying festivals.
Her second documentary Can I Hug You? was world premiered at the International Short Competition at Sheffield Doc Fest, Jun 2023. It won the award for best short documentary at SIMA awards. It also won the IDA ACI award, One World Media best short doc award, NHK Grand Prix of Japan Prize, and more. It is acquired by the DW Germany channel.
A Move won the best short award by the youth jury in Visions du Reel, Gran Prix and Audience award at Uppsala FF, and the best international doc at Huesca IFF. It is also a BIFA nominated for Best British Short, and premiered at IDFA, Telluride FF, BFI London FF, Doc NYC, Dok Leipzig, DMZ Docs, Sheffield Doc/Fest, San Fransisco FF, PÖFF, and more.
Shadow, her NFTS gradfilm and Elahe's debut fiction short also premiered at Academy Award qualifying festivals such as Cleveland International Film Festival, ShortShorts Film Festival & Asia, and Bronzelens Film Festival.
- Year2023
- Runtime35 minutes
- LanguagePersian
- CountryUnited Kingdom, Iran
- Subtitle LanguageEnglish
- DirectorElahe Esmaili
REBEL FLESH presents films made by women filmmakers that examine the impact of revolutionary upheavals on families and the relationships that are shaped—and often shattered—by the brutal demands of ideological regimes. Focused on experiences in Iran or in the Iranian diaspora, these works reveal the impossibility of selfhood within systems that demand absolute obedience, highlighting how defining oneself becomes an act of revolt. In this context, the simplest acts of self-expression become revolutionary. These films capture the fleeting moments of freedom where individuals assert their identities, fight for their memories, and strive to memorialize themselves in ways that reflect their true selves, not the versions dictated by authoritarian forces. The program also considers the paradoxical relationship between religious authority and bodily control. It explores how regimes that define themselves through the regulation of bodies inadvertently provoke resistance through the very expressions they seek to suppress. Through intimate stories and diverse cinematic expressions, these films offer a powerful exploration of sovereignty, rebellion, and the enduring struggle to reclaim one's body as a site of personal and political autonomy.
REBEL FLESH is curated by Homa Sarabi and is co-presented by ArteEast and UnionDocs. This program is part of the legacy program Unpacking the ArteArchive, which preserves and presents 20 years of film and video programming by ArteEast. Selections from REBEL FLESH will be screened in-person at UnionDocs on February 19 followed by a discussion with Yasman Baghban and Nazanin Norouzi moderated by the curator. For more information about the in-person screening uniondocs.org. The full program will be screened online on artearchive.org from February 14 - 23, 2025.
In the religious Iranian city of Qom, there are many restrictions imposed on women in the name of ‘sexual safety’ – from the mandatory hijab to forced gender separation. Hossein grew up in this misogynistic and patriarchal context, but as a young boy he found himself subject to sexual assault by older men. Keeping a secret that no one should have to keep, this ordeal has followed him throughout his adult life. Now, with the help of his wife Elahe, he is confronting his trauma. In Elahe’s courageous and profoundly intimate film, a boxed mosquito net on the roof of the family home becomes a confessional space for conversations that have been waiting a lifetime to take place.
About the Director:
Elahe Esmaili is an MA alumna in directing at National Film and Television School, UK.She was ranked 1st on the university entrance exams (Konkour) and did her BA in film at Tehran University of Art.
Elahe’s first film was her BA graduation film, a short doc titled The Doll. It is awarded as Best International Short at Hot Docs 2021 and nominated/selected for prestigious awards like IDA, Critics Choice Awards, Student Academy Awards, One World Media Award as well as prestigious festivals include more that 10 Oscar qualifying festivals.
Her second documentary Can I Hug You? was world premiered at the International Short Competition at Sheffield Doc Fest, Jun 2023. It won the award for best short documentary at SIMA awards. It also won the IDA ACI award, One World Media best short doc award, NHK Grand Prix of Japan Prize, and more. It is acquired by the DW Germany channel.
A Move won the best short award by the youth jury in Visions du Reel, Gran Prix and Audience award at Uppsala FF, and the best international doc at Huesca IFF. It is also a BIFA nominated for Best British Short, and premiered at IDFA, Telluride FF, BFI London FF, Doc NYC, Dok Leipzig, DMZ Docs, Sheffield Doc/Fest, San Fransisco FF, PÖFF, and more.
Shadow, her NFTS gradfilm and Elahe's debut fiction short also premiered at Academy Award qualifying festivals such as Cleveland International Film Festival, ShortShorts Film Festival & Asia, and Bronzelens Film Festival.
- Year2023
- Runtime35 minutes
- LanguagePersian
- CountryUnited Kingdom, Iran
- Subtitle LanguageEnglish
- DirectorElahe Esmaili