Femininity (film)
| Femininity | |
|---|---|
Official poster | |
| Persian | زنانگی |
| Directed by | Mohsen Ostad Ali |
| Written by | Mohsen Ostad Ali |
| Produced by | Alireza Alavian |
| Cinematography | Farhad Talebinezhad |
| Edited by | Babak Heidari |
| Music by | Sattar Oraki |
Production company | Sana Production |
| Distributed by | Raft Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 84 minutes |
| Country | Iran |
| Language | Persian |
Femininity (Persian: زنانگی, romanized: Zananegi); is a 2020 Iranian feature documentary film written and directed by Mohsen Ostad Ali and produced by Ostad Ali and Alireza Alavian under the Sana Production banner. The film is set in Tehran's only night shelter for homeless women and follows five residents—Sanaz, Saeedeh, Tala, Ladan, and Behesht—as they struggle to rebuild their lives amid trauma, addiction, and social stigma. It has been described by critics as an intimate, humanistic portrayal of marginalized women in Iran, focusing on resilience and solidarity.[1][2]
Synopsis
Femininity takes place in a women's night shelter in southern Tehran, the only such center open to homeless women in the city. The film follows five women—Sanaz, Saeedeh, Tala, Ladan, and Behesht—each with a distinct story, but united by their shared space and desire for change. Through a raw, observational style, Ostad Ali explores their attempts to overcome past abuse, drug addiction, and social exclusion, revealing moments of empathy and quiet transformation.[1][2]
Production
The documentary was written, directed, and produced by Sana Production. Cinematography was by Farhad Talebinezhad, editing by Babak Heidari, and the original score composed by Sattar Oraki. Sound mixing was handled by Alireza Alavian.[1] International distribution is managed by Raft Films.[3]
Festivals and awards
Femininity premiered at the Cinéma Vérité in Tehran in December 2019, where it won the Special Jury Prize. It later screened at several international festivals, including:
| Festival | Year | Country | Category / Award | Recipient(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinéma Vérité | 2019 | Iran | Special Jury Prize | Mohsen Ostad Ali | Won |
| Salerno Film Festival | 2021 | Italy | Best Documentary | Mohsen Ostad Ali | Nominated |
| Kolkata International Film Festival | 2022 | India | Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award – Best Film | Mohsen Ostad Ali | Nominated |
| Life After Oil International Film Festival | 2022 | Italy | Valentina Pedicini Award – Best Human Rights Feature | Mohsen Ostad Ali | Won |
| Regards d’Iran Festival | 2023 | France | Silver Jury Prize | Mohsen Ostad Ali | Won |
Reception
Festival catalogs and international reviewers praised the film for its empathetic treatment of marginalized subjects and minimalist visual style. Asian Movie Pulse highlighted its “humanistic power and quiet emotional rhythm,” while Iranian critics cited it as one of the most significant independent documentaries of the decade.[2][1]
Director
Mohsen Ostad Ali (born 1982, Tehran) is an Iranian documentary filmmaker and producer. A graduate in cinema, his work often centers on social and humanistic issues. His previous films include We Will Get Used to It, which also won awards at international festivals such as IDFA, Uppsala, and Hong Kong.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d "Femininity". film-documentaire.fr. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ a b c "Documentary Review: Femininity (2020) by Mohsen Ostad Ali". Asian Movie Pulse. January 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ "Femininity – Official Page". Raft Films. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ "Femininity – KIFF Archive Listing". Kolkata International Film Festival. Retrieved 18 October 2025.