The Making of “Maryam and Mani”: A Groundbreaking Film for Iranian Women
In 1977 (1356 in the Iranian calendar), Shahrazad made her first and only feature film, Maryam and Mani, with the help of actress Pouri Banayi, who both acted and invested in the project. This film is one of the few pre-revolutionary Iranian films where the protagonist, writer, and director are all women. This was a significant milestone in a male-dominated industry, marking Shahrazad as a pioneering force in both feminism and cinema.
Maryam and Mani told the story of a woman striving for independence in a conservative society, a theme that resonated with Shahrazad’s own life and struggles. The film was completed during a politically turbulent time in Iran, just before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Unfortunately, Maryam and Mani was banned in 1977, and it was not released until two years later, in 1980. The timing of the release meant that the film did not receive the recognition it deserved, as Iran was undergoing massive political and social changes after the revolution.
The Disappearance and Exile of Shahrazad
After the revolution, the political landscape in Iran changed drastically, with new Islamic laws severely restricting the creative freedoms of artists, particularly women. Shahrazad, a woman known for her boldness and refusal to conform, became a target during this period. All of her assets, including her films, were confiscated, and she was forced into exile in 1985 (1364 in the Iranian calendar).
For many years, Shahrazad’s whereabouts were unknown, and rumors circulated that she had died. However, she resurfaced in Germany, where she lived for seven years before relocating to the United States. In exile, Shahrazad faced numerous financial difficulties and lived a transient life, moving between cities. Despite the hardships, she remained committed to her artistic principles, although much of her work during this period remains unpublished or unreleased.