JOY
The initial segment of the film exudes joy, portraying a world that is youthful, innocent, and filled with fun. These scenes are intentionally captured to illustrate the "joy" associated with a certain level of ignorance. The aim is to shed light on the misconception harbored by young queers who might believe they can safely navigate life in Iran as long as they adhere to the rules. Little do they realize that their mere existence challenges the regulations set forth by the Islamic Republic.
The torn chain dress from the night I got arrested in Tehran was mended, and the hair and makeup were recreated for this scene. It was like all the images of that night were chained into the dress.
Next in the film is unstaged footage taken the night they got caught. This is the road to Milad Tower, the most popular telecommunication tower and the modern symbol of Tehran. I take off the scarf, which I designed and printed, and step into the middle of the street, A few pictures later, my friend says in Persian “That's good now get back in the car.” as I walk back to the car. They help me put on my coat and scarf and sit in the car as we are calling it a successful night.
guards blocking their road and stopping the car. “Get out of the car,” the guard says.
“Are you dumb enough to take photos of a naked woman?” He asks. “He is not a woman” my friend replies. The guard punches him in the stomach and shouts,
“You think I'm stupid? You are all coming with us tonight”
At the Central Morality police station in Tehran,
Still chained. We are stepping down the stairs to the basement while I'm trying to keep the front of my coat closed with the hand I'm holding my black leather purse, and holding my hijab scarf over my synthetic wig with another hand because it keeps sliding down. There is a single yellow light bulb hanging from the ceiling. And no mirrors or reflections where I can check my hair and makeup. No way to know how long has it been. A man is sitting behind his desk — he is not as aggressive and rude as the others we already met, but he too tries to avoid eye contact. Our phones are all lined up on his desk with passcodes labelled, while he is writing down our details.
