Experiencing Interruptions?

Raya

Raya and her friends cause trouble at school. At the same time Raya wonders about morals and compares herself to her parents. She is torn on the best way to make the world a better place – with magic or confrontation?

  • Sepide Berenji
    Director
  • Sepide Berenji
    Writer
  • Peiman Naimi
    Writer
  • Sepide Berenji
    Producer
  • Mojtaba Bayat
    Producer
  • Raya Ghasemzadeh
    Key Cast
    "Raya"
  • Peiman Naimi
    Key Cast
  • Delaram Fathi
    Key Cast
  • Niloofar Sadri
    Key Cast
  • Sepide Berenji
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Short, Narrative Fiction
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 15, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Country of Filming:
    Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Language:
    Persian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Zlin Film Festival · Edition: 60 · 2020

    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Sehsüchte Film Festival · Edition: 49 · 2021

    Official Selection
  • International Young Audience Film Festival Ale Kino! · Edition: 38 · 2020

    European Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Schlingel Film Festival · Edition: 25 · 2020

    German Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Ischia Global Film Festival · Edition: 20 · 2021
    Ischia
    Italy
    July 23, 2021
    Italian Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Festival Internacional De Cine Para Niños Y Jóvenes Divercine· Edition: 30 · 2021
    Montevideo
    Uruguay
    August 17, 2021
    Latin America Premiere
    Winner . Best Fiction Short Film
  • Sguardi Altrove International Women's Film Festival · Edition: 28 · 2021
    Milan
    Italy
    October 22, 2021
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Sepide Berenji

Sepide Berenji is an Iranian-based scriptwriter, poet and film director. She’s a B.A in Persian literature and a M.A in Cinema.

She’s a teacher at primary school and Raya (2020), her debut, is based on her experiences and observations as a teacher.

Her debut short film 'Raya' (2020) was peremiered at 60th Zlín Film Festival, and made major selections at 49th Sehsüchte Student Film Festival, 38th International Young Audience Film Festival Ale Kino!, and 25th Schlingel Film Festival.

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Director Statement

This film talks about a new generation who always keep the door open for negotiation and that any 'impossible' is possible with the power of mindfulness and critical thinking.

'Raya', the protagonist is a small girl who wants to decide for herself and stand against the authority imposed on her.

'Raya' is a Persian name describing a person who employ "critical thinking" and the Persian term 'رآی' means 'thinking' in Persian archaeology.