Mita

Directed by Bani Khoshnoudi

Fiction/experimental short
France - 2006

14 min./ B+W / 16mm

Synopsis

The country is unknown, the year is uncertain.
Mita and Doun are underground militants hiding in a small apartment. One night, while waiting for news for a mission, their building is surrounded by the police. Mita decides to leave in the morning despite the threat of her capture, but Doun tries to dissuade his lover, afraid to remain alone. A universal story of political dedication, love, and the sacrifices that both entail.

Method

Shot on 16mm black and white stock, Mita was made in artisan style over the course of 4 days in Paris. Although inspired by real stories from the time of the resistant movements against the Shah in Iran, and subsequently, against the Islamic regime that took over, “Mita” is not a country specific or time specific story. The theme that I wanted to treat was the conflicts that arise when political action confronts other aspects of a person’s life. In this case, risking one’s life, and sacrificing one’s emotional attachments to others are put at the forefront of the dynamics between a young man and woman, dedicated to their cause, but also in love with each other, which becomes an obstacle to their political engagement.

The film was developed by hand at the 8ème Compagnie organization in Ivry, France.