A new film titled “Son – Mother” will screen this week. This movie explores single mother struggles in Iranian society. Mahnaz Mohammadi directed this powerful social drama. Viewers can watch the screening on a popular video platform. After the film, a discussion with the director will follow. Thus, single mother struggles will reach a wider audience.
Women have entered the Iranian workforce over the decades. They now work in various professions across the country. Financial responsibility for families often falls on many women. Their abilities shine even in male-dominated environments. Yet traditional viewpoints still persist among some groups.
Iran today has many single mothers. Earning income is essential for them. However, certain religious figures want women to stay home. Financial dependence on men remains their preference. These conflicting pressures make life difficult, and single mother struggles become even harder.
The film examines what problems a single mother faces. It also looks at the child’s emotional difficulties. The director asks whether others understand this situation. Both parent and child suffer significantly from these issues. Consequently, single mother struggles deserve more attention from society.
Typical films differ greatly from this movie’s structure. Two distinct yet complementary parts divide the narrative. A modern style guides the director’s approach throughout. She creates a clear but bitter picture of single mothers. Traditional structures fail modern society, as the film shows. Therefore, single mother struggles expose deep social problems.
Born in Tehran in 1974, Mahnaz Mohammadi studied psychology. She entered filmmaking after her studies. Her career began at a youth magazine. Later, she worked as a writer for Iranian radio. An assistant director and planner position followed. Eventually, she joined documentary filmmaking ranks.
Her previous works include “Women Without Shadow” from 2003. “Travel Letter” followed in 2006. “Agha Vali” came out in 2015. She also acted in the film “Temporary Marriage”. Women’s issues in Iran appear often in these works.
For Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, Mohammadi worked as assistant director. “We Are Half of Iran’s Population” benefited from her collaboration. Another project saw her as production manager. “I Will See You Tomorrow Elina” utilized her cinematography skills. Behind-the-scenes footage for “Stories” also came from her.
Prison time and fines have resulted from the director’s work. Her human rights activities drew legal consequences. However, she continues making socially relevant films. Despite these challenges, she completed “Son – Mother” in 2018.
An Amnesty International award in Prague went to the film. Rome gave it a special jury prize as well. The Istanbul Film Festival awarded it an audience prize. International audiences resonated with this topic. Worldwide attention continues to follow the film.
