In a society drawn to opposing sides, one friendship faces its greatest test.“ ”
SCREEN DAILY
"Roya Sadat´s drama explores a turbulent period of Afghanistan´s history through the experiences of woman.
Deftly ties together this period of the country’s history with the current plight of Afghan women under the rule of the Taliban.”"
ASIAN MOVIE PULSE
"Entertaining from beginning to end."
"An excellent film that manages to highlight the issues Afghanistan faces."
"... benefits the most by the acting."
Synopsis
Afghanistan’s political upheaval at the end of the 1970s tears apart two best friends—Suraya, a wealthy communist activist, and Sima, a traditional Muslim singer. Their journey from idealistic youth to resistance leaders reveals that their unbreakable bond transcends the very ideologies that divided them. Their story from Afghanistan’s past becomes a powerful lens through which to comprehend our own increasingly divided presence.
Suraya and her inseparable friend, the talented singer Sima, try to cope with Afghanistan's unstable political landscape. From university halls to intimate gatherings, their contrasting visions of freedom clash and converge: Suraya, a wealthy advocate for communism, blinded by its promise of equality, assumes a pivotal role within the pro-Russian faction, while Sima, a humble, conservative Muslim, skeptical of political power games, seeks refuge in tradition and gets married. Despite their differences, their shared conviction of women's rights still binds them in sisterhood.
As the political turmoil in Kabul increasingly escalates, their friendship is seriously challenged. Sima’s involvement with the mujahideen faction forces her to escape to the treacherous mountains from being arrested, initiating a series of unfortunate events that will deeply challenge the essence of her bond with Suraya. But even in the most desolate prison cells, when everything seems lost, their bond will remain unbreakable. They will realize that they have been used by political groups who were only hungry for power.
Directed by the internationally acclaimed Roya Sadat, "Sima's Song" is more than a film—it's a testament to the unwavering spirit of Afghan women. Spanning decades, it portrays their sacrifices, resilience, and their tireless fight for freedom.
Film gallery
Details
Director: Roya Sadat
Genre: Historical Drama
Tags: Friendship, Emancipation, Afghanistan, Halls of Power
Original title: Sima’s Song
English title: Sima’s Song
Country of production: The Netherlands, Spain, France, Taiwan, Greece, Afghanistan
Year of production: 2024
Length: 98 min
Color: Color
Shooting format: 2K
Screening format: DCP 2K
Original language: Farsi Dari
Subtitles: English
Cast: Mozhdah Jamalzadah, Niloufar Koukhani, Aziz Deildar, Leena Alam, Nelofer Pazira, Max Grosse, Paeman Arianfar, Ebadi Mohammad Zobair, Halima Ahmadi, Zahra Rahimi, Maliha Sarwari
Scriptwriter: Roya Sadat, Aziz Deildar, Roelof Jan Minneboo
Director of photography: Ton Peters
Production designer: Anna Chwaliszewska
Editor: Ana Pfaff, Ariadna Ribas
Sound design: Philippe Grivel
Sound mixing: Philippe Grivel
Music: Xavi Font
Producers: Frank Hoeve, Alba Sotorra
Co-producers: Maéva Savinien, Chuti Chang, Stefano Centini, Vicki Miha, Maria Drandaki, Roya Sadat
Production company: BALDR Films, AlbaSotorra
Co-production company: Urban Factory, Volos Films, Asterisk Films, Homemade Films, Roya Film House
Supported by: Eurimages, EKOME National Centre of Audiovisual Media and Communication, TAICCA, ICEC, ICAA, NL Film Fonds, NL Film Incentive, Région Île de France, Creative Europe MEDIA
Film poster
Festivals / Awards
Tokyo IFF, Japan - World Premiere
Seville European FF, Spain
exground filmfest, Germany
Red Sea IFF, SA
Kerala IFF, India
Göteborg FF, Sweden
Bengaluru IFF, India
IFF Dortmund + Köln, Germany
Minneapolis St. Paul IFF. USA
SHIFT – Beirut Cinema Encounters, Lebanon
International Female FF Malmö, Sweden
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