Kolkata Filmmakers Face Communication Crisis with Iranian Colleagues Amid Conflict
Indian filmmakers and festival organizers based in Kolkata who maintain professional and personal connections with Iran are encountering significant difficulties in contacting their friends and collaborators. This communication breakdown is occurring against the backdrop of recent bombings and widespread internet disruptions within Iran. The individuals affected are now forced to depend on expensive Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and irregular telephone calls as anxiety escalates over the safety of colleagues who remain inside the country.
Personal Accounts Highlight Widespread Evacuations and Safety Concerns
Sreemoyee Singh, who traveled to Iran in 2019 to study Persian and produce her documentary 'Be Kucheye Khoshbakht (And, Towards Happy Alleys)', experienced growing concern when she could not reach her friends following the bombings. On the fifth day of the conflict, her best friend, Majdeddin Mahmoodi Arsanjani, managed to call her using a VPN. "The connection was unstable. At that time, he was safe. I was able to message a couple of friends. The messages go through if someone opens a VPN," Singh explained.
She further detailed that her friend described extensive evacuations from Tehran, with many attempting to leave the city. "Majdeddin has to stay back in Tehran because of work," she added, highlighting the difficult choices faced by those with professional obligations.
Documentary Collaborations and Travel Disruptions
Singh and Triparna Banerjee presented their documentary project, 'Fireflowers', at DocedgeKolkata, an international incubation and pitching forum. It was there that Singh met Iranian filmmaker Mohammadreza Azadi. Singh reported that Azadi arrived in Kolkata on the day of the attack and wished to return to Iran immediately but found himself unable to do so.
"They moved out of Tehran now. He couldn't reach his family for three days. It was only on the 3rd day that his family reached out to him. DocedgeKolkata ends on Monday and he will return to Iran. But the airspace did not open. So, he booked a ticket to Turkey and will then travel by road," she stated, illustrating the severe travel disruptions affecting international filmmakers.
Industry Veterans Share Experiences and Observations
Director Sourav Sarangi, who has visited Iran three times as a festival jury member, noted the communication challenges due to unreliable internet connectivity. "Thankfully, I was able to reach producers, filmmakers, and artists I met there. All of them are currently safe," he said, offering a measure of relief amidst the uncertainty.
Director Supriyo Sen, who visited Iran in 2022, expressed his inability to contact a distributor friend there. He also shared insights from his visit, challenging common perceptions. "My visit showed me that the image of Iran projected by Western media is not accurate. While women may not hold the highest positions, they are well educated and are prominently visible in every sphere of life," Sen remarked, providing a nuanced perspective on Iranian society.
Festival Connections and Unanswered Messages
In 2021, Iranian director Manijeh Hekmat's film 'Bandar Band' received the top award at a festival, and she also served on the KIFF international jury. A KIFF organizer expressed concern, stating, "There was no reply to my WhatsApp message. I hope she is safe," underscoring the widespread worry within the Kolkata film community regarding their Iranian counterparts.
The situation continues to evolve, with filmmakers and organizers remaining vigilant and hopeful for improved communication and the safety of all involved. The reliance on VPNs and sporadic contact methods underscores the profound impact of geopolitical conflicts on international cultural and artistic collaborations.
