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“The Witness,” directed by Nader Saeivar and co-written by Saeivar and Jafar Panahi, is making its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The film has already secured distribution deals with Edgy for Benelux, Jour2fete for France, and No.mad Entertainment for Italy. In Germany, the film will be distributed by Missing Films.

Saeivar has been collaborating with Jafar Panahi since 2017 on projects like “3 Faces.” He credits Panahi with teaching him the art of creating compelling films with minimal resources, often in secrecy. This method of filmmaking, Saeivar muses, might have been pioneered by Panahi himself, who has faced repeated persecution and imprisonment. Panahi was recently released from jail in 2023 after staging a hunger strike.

Reflecting on his journey, Saeivar expressed immense pride in having Panahi as a mentor across all three of his films. “He taught me to be fearless, to avoid excuses, and to pursue my passion for filmmaking.”

“The Witness” centers around Tarlan, a retired dance teacher portrayed by Maryam Bobani, who insists her friend was murdered by her abusive and influential husband. Despite the police’s refusal to investigate and her family’s pressure to stay silent, Tarlan is determined to seek justice.

Saeivar highlights the film’s connection to the historical struggle of Iranian women for freedom, which peaked during the Iranian Revolution of 1978 but was quickly suppressed. By featuring an elderly woman as the protagonist, Saeivar aims to illustrate the ongoing fight for women’s rights in Iran.

Today’s fight for freedom has taken on a new form. “This generation is fighting through dance,” says Saeivar. “They are unafraid and joyful.”

The film also delves into the complexities within Iranian society. “There are many traditional and religious women in Iran who believe they should live as their mothers did and stay away from politics. These women contrast sharply with those who openly defy tyranny and fascism.”

While “The Witness” incorporates thriller elements, Saeivar’s goal is to reach a broader audience beyond film festivals. He wants the film to resonate with people in small towns who need greater awareness of the struggles faced by Iranian women.

Tarlan’s character faces constant threats and bullying but remains undeterred. Her resilience symbolizes hope for future generations who will continue the fight in their own way. Saeivar believes that non-violence is the key to saving Iran.

Despite his pessimism about immediate change, Saeivar emphasizes the importance of continued resistance. “We must persist,” he says, calling for global support for Iranian artists and filmmakers who face significant injustices.

Saeivar likens the Iranian government to an octopus clinging to the country with thousands of hands and feet. “To survive, sometimes you have to retreat and then attack again to reclaim lost ground.”

“When artists unite and raise their voices, the government momentarily eases its grip. But as soon as the noise dies down, authoritarian rules return swiftly. This has been our reality for as long as I can remember.”

“The Witness” was produced by Said Nur Akkus and Silvana Santamaria for ArtHood Films, which also handles sales, along with Arash T. Riahi and Sabine Grüber for Golden Girls Films, and Emre Oskay and Timur Savci for Sky Films.