Afghan Artist's Harrowing Escape Captured in Powerful Documentary

Iranian filmmaker Mehrdad Oskouei's latest documentary, "A Fox Under a Pink Moon," shines a spotlight on the gripping story of Afghan sculptor Soraya Akhlaghi. The film, which will world premiere at IDFA in the International Competition, follows Soraya's determined efforts to leave Iran and join her mother in Austria.

Soraya, a strong-willed 16-year-old artist, has been creating stunning yet dark drawings and sculptures for years. However, her life has been marked by the constant struggle to find a way out of Iran, a journey she has been pursuing for the past 5 years. Oskouei directed the film entirely remotely, with Soraya filming all the footage herself using her phone over the course of this period.

The documentary interweaves chilling scenes of Soraya's escape attempts with political news from Afghanistan and intimate videos in which she sings, dances, or shows her bruises. Soraya is married to a violent man, but she remains steadfast in her determination to shape her own future.

Art is a vital outlet for Soraya, who pours her worries, joys, and fears into her drawings and sculptures made from found materials. Recurring figures in her work, such as a loyal fox, a pink moon, and a laughing clown, reflect her personal journey and struggles.

Oskouei's film offers a powerful and personal perspective on the experiences of one of the millions of people displaced by war in recent decades. Through Soraya's story, the documentary aims to give a voice to those often seen as powerless, showcasing their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.