Disruption: Contemporary Shorts by Iranian Women Filmmakers (15*) + ScreenTalk with Mania Akbari and special guests
Discover six short films by women directors predominantly based with Iran, which put the experiences of women and children centre stage.
This programme introduces a curated selection of fictional films crafted by Iranian women, predominantly based within Iran. Set against the backdrop of Iran's deeply patriarchal society, these films serve as a much-needed disruption.
At the heart of this programme, two interwoven themes emerge: the experiences of women and children.
From the delicate and fragmented recollections of childhood memories to depictions of women within diverse power dynamics, this collection beckons us to engage with emotions often overlooked in the tapestry of everyday life. Through the lenses of filmmakers, the inner workings of a system that fosters vulnerability in the lives of children and women are laid bare.
Followed by a discussion with Mania Akbari (on stage), director Payvand Eghtesadi and curator Sadaf Sadri (via Zoom), hosted by Tiara Sahar Ataii.
Curated by Pegah Pasalar, Sadaf Sadri and Cryptofiction
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Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Tiara Sahar Ataii
Tiara Sahar Ataii is an aid worker and writer on art, conflict, and rights in the Middle East.
Programme
The Zoo
While at the zoo, Ranaa's mother reveals that her father has left them. As they stroll past empty animal cages, Ranaa reflects on the significance of absence.
2022 Iran Dir Nafiseh Zare 17 min
Dissociation
8-year-old Pouya disappears until his aunt discovers him hiding under the bed, and she uncovers the reason why he has panicked.
2021 Iran Dir Payvand Eghtesadi 10 min
Raya
A young girl and her family are forced to evacuate their home, but she may have found another way out.
2020 Iran Dir Sepide Berenji 14 min
The Region
A film is in production but the shoot is not going well. The lead actress is nervous and must fight for her creative freedom.
2021 Iran Dir Asma Ebrahimzadegan 23 min
Iran; Second Day
A girl waits to be picked up from school but her mother never arrives.
2021 Iran Dir Kiana Montajabi 15 min
Hair
In Iran, an elderly woman experiences hair loss. However, her husband forbids her from entering the kitchen, fearing her hair might fall into the food…
2022 Iran Dir Samaneh Yadollahi 15 mi
Give a year of art, music, film and theatre
Cinemas 2
Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you over the road to the venue.
Address
Beech Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Nearby public transport
We are within walking distance from a number of London Underground stations, the closest being Barbican, St Paul’s and Moorgate. The nearest train stations are Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Bus Route 153 runs directly past the Barbican along Chiswell Street
Car and bicycle parking
We have free bicycle spaces and paid car parking spaces available
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Level access from the Pit floor foyer only to the two boxes (see Mobility below). All other seats lead off stepped aisles.
Mobility
Two boxes at the rear of the auditorium each have space for one wheelchair user and a companion. Please book early and ask for these seats.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking, to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
There is an induction loop in the auditorium. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
