Rise and Shine World Sales has acquired the sales rights to the documentary A Sisters’ Tale, directed by Iranian filmmaker Leila Amini. The film focuses on Amini’s sister Nasreen, a talented singer-songwriter who dreams of sharing her music with audiences. However, Nasreen’s aspirations are thwarted by the restrictions imposed on women by Iran’s Islamist rulers, barring them from performing in public. The documentary premiered at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland and is set to make its international debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The co-founders of Rise and Shine, Stefan Kloos and Anja Dziersk, were captivated by A Sisters’ Tale when they saw it at the world premiere in Locarno. They describe the film as a delicate yet powerful portrayal of the challenges faced by women in Iran, presented through the lens of an Iranian female filmmaker. The sales deal was negotiated with the producers of the film and covers all territories except Switzerland. The film was produced by Afsaneh Salari at Docmaniacs, known for The Forbidden Strings, and Vadim Jendreyko at Mira Film, known for The Woman with the 5 Elephants.
In A Sisters’ Tale, Nasreen’s journey as a mother and wife is intertwined with her pursuit of her passion for singing, despite the societal constraints imposed on her. The film portrays her struggles to balance her artistic ambitions with the demands of her family life, navigating tensions within her marriage and facing patriarchal resistance. Nasreen’s voice is described as radiating beauty, power, and poetry, reshaping the world in her own vision. The documentary showcases Nasreen’s inner strength shining through amidst the challenges of her external environment.
Director Leila Amini spent seven years capturing Nasreen’s transformation from a vulnerable homemaker to a woman in control of her own destiny. Through her sister’s journey to reclaim her voice as a singer and a woman, Amini witnessed a profound change not only in Nasreen but also in their family dynamics and potentially in their country. Nasreen’s emancipation is portrayed as a source of inspiration and empowerment, paving the way for change within their community. Amini’s directorial approach provides a glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs of Iranian women.
A Sisters’ Tale screens at the Toronto International Film Festival, showcasing the story of Nasreen’s pursuit of freedom and self-expression through music. The film captures her ambition to defy societal norms and let her voice be heard, challenging the restrictions placed on women’s participation in public performances in Iran. Rise and Shine World Sales, known for their focus on high-quality documentary films, has represented a range of impactful titles in the past. The acquisition of A Sisters’ Tale adds to their portfolio of films that shed light on important social issues and personal struggles, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Overall, A Sisters’ Tale offers a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and the power of self-expression against societal constraints. Through Nasreen’s journey, the film highlights the universal themes of empowerment, freedom, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Amini’s intimate portrayal of her sister’s struggles and triumphs serves as a tribute to the strength and resilience of women facing adversity. As the film makes its international debut, it is poised to spark conversations and resonate with audiences around the world, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in Iran and beyond.
