Calgary film festival’s ‘Sandstorm’ sheds light on patriarchal realities
Posted Sep 24, 2022 11:19 am.
Last Updated Sep 24, 2022 12:36 pm.
With Calgary’s International Film Festival underway, a movie from its lineup is drawing parallels to the ongoing situation in Iran.
Mahsa Amini, 22, died in custody after being detained by Iran’s morality police.
She had been detained Sept. 13 for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely in violation of strictures demanding women in public wear the Islamic headscarves.
She died three days later in police custody. Authorities said she had a heart attack but hadn’t been harmed. Her family has disputed that, leading to a public outcry.
“Sandstorm (Mulaqat),” a short film from Calgary’s International Film Festival, is putting the spotlight on patriarchal societies.
It’s the story of a school girl in Pakistan who was blackmailed by her virtual boyfriend.
Observers say the links to the situation in Iran are obvious.
Related Article: Calgary International Film Festival makes full-scale return after 2-year hiatus
Seemab Gul, the film’s writer, director and co-producer, grew up in Pakistan. She doesn’t believe such discriminatory issues are unique to the Middle East.
“It’s a wider issue and I think the heart of the problem is shame around the female body but also shame around sex,” said Gul.
She hopes “Sandstorm” will help to illustrate the realities of patriarchal societies.
Related Article: Kikino Métis Settlement short film premieres at Calgary International Film Festival Sunday
“When we are teenagers we are told what to wear, how to behave, not to laugh too loud, not to make too many noises, for example when we walk,” said Gul.
“I think it’s not only unhealthy for the women being affected but also society in general.”
Sandstorm will be shown as part of the shorts package and the Spirits on Fire theme.
–With files from Tate Laycraft and The Associated Press.
