Doors 7:00p
Show 7:30p

UnionDocs
352 Onderdonk Ave
Ridgewood, NY

We’re delighted to join hands with curator Yama Rahimi and program partner, apexart, to present Zainab Entezar’s remarkable 2024 film Shot the Voice of Freedom alongside a stunning exhibition, Surviving Shadows – Afghan Art in the Face of Suppression, selected through apexart’s NYC Open Call.

The film tells the story of two sisters in Afghanistan who bravely resist the oppressive restrictions imposed by the Taliban. They protest the loss of fundamental rights — education, employment, personal freedom — and are determined to raise their voices and fight for their future.

Since the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed a reign of terror that is particularly brutal towards women. Risking their own lives and those of their loved ones, groups of women are protesting against the regime, and standing up for the right to freedom, education and security. The filmmaker follows and interviews two of these women, Reshmin and her sister.

Indoors, we see them conferring, preparing for action, and debating with family members who are afraid. Outdoors, filmed in secret, they chant slogans, often surrounded by armed Taliban soldiers. Not infrequently, the demonstrations end in bloody violence.

The film shows how hard it is to resist the oppression, and the bravery that is called for. Rashmin is fighting not only the Taliban, but also her own fears and those of the women around her. There are arrests, intimidation and forced confessions on television. The demonstrations are in part directed at the international community, in the hope of eliciting a political response, but this community remains alarmingly silent.

Entezar shares this story as a dissident artist, who is now living in exile. She brilliantly captures the courage, the necessity to protest and despair in a film that is both personal and

The screening will be followed by a conversation between Afghan civil society activist and women’s rights defender Rashmin Joya and curator of our co-sponsored exhibition, Yama Rahimi.

The accompanying exhibition is open on January 16th-March 14th: Surviving Shadows – Afghan Art in the Face of Suppression.

You won’t want to miss it!

Program

Shot the Voice of Freedom, by Zainab Entezar

70 mins, 2024

This is a story about two sisters who have decided to fight against the unfortunate fate that has befallen them in Afghanistan. They protest against the loss of their basic rights, including the right to education, work, clothing, and even the right to walking alone. Now, these two sisters are striving to make their voices heard to the world and fight for their rights against the Taliban.”

Bios

Zainab Entezar is a graduate in journalism with a master’s degree in public management. Her primary focus has been in the realms of writing and cinema, resulting in the creation of a storybook and the development of several screenplays. Zainab has also directed in the cinematic domain.

She has authored and directed five short films and two short documentary films. One of her films, titled House, was featured at the Locarno Film Festival. Zainab has successfully published three books, including “A Man Wore Gentle Like Dad” and “Yusra: The Womanly Voice of Freedom.”

Her films have garnered recognition globally, being officially selected in over 140 different festivals across the world, including Germany, Spain, Mexico, Ireland, the USA, Italy, India, and more. Zainab has received acclaim for her work, winning the Best Emerging Storyteller award at the Imagine This Women’s Film Festival and the Best Short Film award at the Golden Femi Film Festival. Additionally, she has been honored at the UNDP Film Festival in Afghanistan.

Yama Rahimi, artist, curator, and activist, specializes in experimental films, exhibiting globally in 25+ shows, including Whitechapel-London, Venice Biennale, and UCLA.

Rashmin Joya is an Afghan civil society activist and women’s rights defender. Her journey in social advocacy began during her school years, when she became aware of the discrimination and restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan. Even at a young age, she raised her voice against injustice and sought, within her capacity, to challenge inequality and promote change.

During the period of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, she became actively involved in human rights movements and organizations, which gave greater structure and scope to her work. Her efforts focused on raising public awareness, defending the fundamental rights of women, and promoting equality and human dignity within Afghan society. After completing her education and returning to Afghanistan, she encountered increasingly difficult conditions and growing restrictions that profoundly affected the lives of women.

Following the political changes and the return of the Taliban in 2021, civil activism entered a dangerous and uncertain phase. Despite serious security threats and pressure, Joya continued to participate in peaceful protests and civic activities advocating for women’s rights. As a result of her activism, she was arrested and detained for a period of time. After her release, ongoing security risks forced her to leave the country.

Since departing Afghanistan, Rashmin Joya has continued her advocacy through media engagement and collaboration with human rights organizations. She has taken part in public discussions, campaigns, and gatherings aimed at amplifying the voices of Afghan women on the international stage.

Currently based in France, she remains committed to advancing the rights of Afghan women. She believes that awareness-raising, global solidarity, and steadfast dedication to justice can create the foundation for meaningful change and renewed hope for a better future”.