Private Project

Winter Threshold

Tag Line

In the face of adversity, a mother's love lights the path to a brighter future.

Log Line

In Iran, during the pandemic, a devoted mother named Mahsa navigates the challenges of online education to secure a bright future for her son, Kasra. Despite her own struggles with poverty, early marriage at 16, and lack of formal schooling, Mahsa is determined to chart a different path for her son. As she confronts these obstacles, she discovers her own potential for growth, showcasing the transformative power of maternal love and the enduring strength of family bonds. Her journey highlights the resilience and hope that family ties can provide, even amidst life's greatest challenges.

  • Soudabeh Beizaei
    Director
  • Soudabeh beizaei
    Writer
  • Mahnaz Tafaghi
    Producer
  • Soudabeh Beizaei
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Family, Women rights, education, lockdown, addiction, Childeren
  • Runtime:
    54 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 20, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    150,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Iran
  • Country of Filming:
    Iran
  • Language:
    Persian
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Soudabeh Beizaei

Sodabeh Beizaei, born in 1981, has been engaged in acting for about twenty years. In 2016, she participated in the Cannes Film Festival with the film "Lord" directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, which won the Best Film award in the Un Certain Regard section.

In 2017, she created her first short documentary, "Like My Name, Pegah," exploring the lives of Iranian youth and the issue of addiction, winning the Best Documentary award at the Independent Documentary House Festival.

Her second short documentary, "The Song of the Wind," delves into the life of a tambourine player in the Gahvareh region of Kermanshah, exploring the emotional connection between him and a young girl who lived in Tehran and had been a student in their house for years.The film entered international Film festivals.

Her third documentary, "Kasra Online," narrates the story of a family during the two-year process of the COVID-19 pandemic, delving into human complexities and relationships. It is ready for international distribution.

For the past three years, she has been filming a new documentary in the Deilaman region of Gilan, focusing on drought and climate change affecting occupations like livestock farming.

Additionally, she recently published a collection of short stories titled "Connecting Point."

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In a world where education is often taken for granted, Winter Threshold tells the story of Mahsa, a mother whose circumstances have denied her the opportunities that many see as fundamental. Her struggle and determination to provide her son, Kasra, with the education she never had is both a deeply personal journey and a reflection of broader societal challenges.
As a woman director I was deeply drawn to this story because it speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Mahsa’s journey is one of hope and transformation, set against the backdrop of a global pandemic that has forced millions to reconsider what education, family, and love truly mean. In capturing her story, I aim to highlight the universal struggle of parents around the world who sacrifice everything to ensure a better life for their children.
Through Mahsa’s eyes, we witness the profound impact of education—not just on the young minds it shapes but also on the adults who yearn for the opportunities they missed. Her determination to break the cycle of poverty and early marriage is a testament to the power of maternal love and the belief that change is possible, even in the most difficult circumstances.
This documentary is not just about the challenges Mahsa faces, but about the strength she finds within herself. It’s a story of resilience, growth, and the enduring bonds of family. My hope is that audiences will see a part of themselves in Mahsa’s journey, and be reminded that, no matter the challenges we face, love and determination can lead to transformation.
Through intimate, observational filmmaking, I aim to present Mahsa’s story with authenticity and compassion, allowing viewers to connect deeply with