Tragic Circumstances Surrounding Sepideh Farsi’s Documentary
On April 16, 2025, a tragic event overshadowed the announcement of Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi’s documentary “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk,” selected for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival’s ACID parallel section. A day after this recognition, the film’s subject, Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, and nine of her family members were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Gaza. This heartbreaking turn transformed the documentary, originally focused on life during war, into a poignant elegy for a woman whose spirit and brilliance would resonate long after.
Context and Background of the Documentary
Farsi’s journey into filmmaking comes from her background as a photographer of political protests in Iran, where she instinctively understood the complex realities faced by her subjects. In a touching commentary on the film’s premiere at Cannes, Isaac Feldberg noted how Farsi engages with her subjects to explore themes of beauty amidst chaos.
Farsi’s activism traces back to her youth in Iran, where she spent eight months in prison for protecting a friend during the 1981–1982 Iran Massacres. After moving to Paris in 1984 to study mathematics, she shifted her focus to filmmaking. Over the decades, Farsi has created numerous shorts and feature films, both narrative and documentary.
In an interview with RogerEbert.com, Farsi discussed her film’s innovative approach to visual storytelling, emphasizing the ways her work reflects the indomitable spirit of Fatma Hassona and the hope she wishes to instill in audiences.
The Impact of Technology in Filmmaking
In her conversations with Fatma, the film’s unique production method was evident. Filmed using mobile phones, Farsi aimed to establish equality between filmmaker and subject, eschewing the hierarchy typically existing in documentary filmmaking. This use of low-tech solutions allowed for authentic moments to naturally unfold, capturing the essence of their interactions.
Farsi reflected on the fragility of their connection, which could be interrupted at any moment, making each conversation precious. This artistic choice not only rendered the images more human but also served as a profound reminder of the dire reality both women faced amidst ongoing conflict.
Shifting Perspectives on Image-Making
Farsi disclosed how producing “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” fundamentally altered her perception of image-making. Initially driven by urgency, the recognition of the importance of the images began to evolve. Following Fatma’s tragic death, Farsi’s approach to filming shifted; she now grapples with the significance of the images she captures, viewing them not just as artistic expressions but as potent narratives within a larger socio-political context.
Farsi’s reflection emphasizes how the medium itself can be a weapon as articulated by Fatma, who often contended that the camera serves a powerful purpose. This realization has led Farsi to reconsider her priorities and project choices in a new light.
Crafting a Narrative from Hours of Footage
While working through approximately 80 hours of recorded conversations, Farsi faced the challenge of curating the film to convey a coherent story. She navigated this by centering emotion as her guiding principle, ensuring that the narrative arc remained meaningful despite the vast volume of footage.
The editing process, likened to sculpting, involved making difficult choices to present an impactful narrative. Significant moments that revealed Fatma’s vulnerability and strength were prioritized, creating a rich emotional landscape within the film.
Imagining a Better World Through Art
The film poignantly captures Fatma’s essence as her hope dims amidst adversity, yet her spirit remains a beacon of resilience. Farsi’s decision to keep the war off-screen and convey its presence through sound allows the audience to engage deeply with Fatma’s words and expressions, evoking an emotional response that lingers long after viewing.
Farsi’s goal is to highlight Palestinian dignity and the essential humanity within Fatma’s story. She hopes audiences emerge with a renewed sense of hope and a dedication to understanding and empathizing with the histories and struggles of those depicted, remembering Fatma not just as a victim but as a vibrant individual who stood for her people.
Inspirational Female Filmmakers
Farsi also acknowledges the influential women filmmakers of her generation, such as Farahnaz Sharifi and Firouzeh Khosrovani, whose works contribute to a powerful new wave of documentary storytelling focused on social justice and women’s rights. These figures inspire a movement that elevates voices traditionally marginalized in the film industry.
Conclusion
As audiences engage with “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk,” they are invited to reflect on the complexity of life within conflict zones. Through Fatma’s story, Farsi encourages a broader conversation about dignity, hope, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. This documentary not only serves as an elegy for one extraordinary individual but also as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of all who inhabit the struggle.
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