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This documentary introduces Iranian Mandaeans and their rituals. Mandaeans are the followers of John the Baptist. Baptism in living water (flowing water) is the most important part of their religion, and that’s why they mainly live in proximity of Karoon, a river in Ahwaz province in Iran. While administering baptism, both baptizer and baptism receiver, appear in white outfits, and baptizer carries a cane made of olive tree branches. Before marriage, groom and bride go through the baptism process. Mandaeans temple is called Mandi, a place for mind and mysticism, in which all wedding ceremonies are held. During the ceremony, clergy brings groom and bride’s head in contact with each other as a symbol of unified souls and minds. Mandaeans have mainly been practicing the profession of goldsmithing and passing it from generation to generation.

  • Mahnaz Rokni
    Director
  • Mahnaz Rokni
    Writer
  • Mahnaz Rokni
    Producer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Az Yad Rafte
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Television
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 7, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Country of Filming:
    Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Language:
    Persian
  • Shooting Format:
    Dv
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Mahnaz Rokni

Mahnaz Rokni is an Iranian producer, director, and editor.
She received her bachelor's degree in cinema and Master's degree in dramatic literature.

She started her career as a screenplay writer in 1999, when she was a student in college.
Her first Semi-long screenplay was selected as the best screenplay in a film festival. Then she started making short movies and one of them changed her life. Later on, an advertising company invited her to work as commercial director.
Her work in advertising was fruitful and resulted in establishing her own advertising company in 2002 in Tehran, Iran. she continued her work as movie director and made a few short movies. Soon after, she concentrated on making and producing movies again and most of her projects were based on Persian history and culture, and its well-known historical individuals and figures.

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Director Statement

This movie is a brief introduction to Iranian Mandaeans, their baptism rituals, and profession. Their baptism and wedding ceremony are held in a living (flowing) water and Mandaeans temple, Mandi, in the presence of the great clergy. Their profession is goldsmithing which has millions of admirers around the world.