“Seven Days” – A Film Inspired by the Life of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi and Other Human Rights Activists

Seven Days – directed by Ali Samadi Ahadi and written by Mohammad Rasoulof, is inspired by the life of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi and many other women activists who have sacrificed their freedom and families in the fight for human rights.
The film is a powerful portrayal of sacrifice, resistance, and the unbreakable bonds of family, it illuminates the painful choices faced by those who stand against oppression, and the immense personal cost of fighting for human rights.

Behnam, a middle-aged Iranian man living in Hamburg, Germany, is anxiously preparing for a very important event. He buys a set of suitcases, marking the final steps in a meticulously crafted plan. He and his ten-year-old son, Alborz, pack their belongings with urgency, awaiting the return of Behnam’s rebellious daughter, Dena, who reluctantly rejoins them. The tension is apparent as the family rushes to catch their flight to Turkey.

In Iran, Behnam’s wife Maryam, a dedicated human rights activist, is granted a seven-day furlough from prison to seek medical treatment. Unbeknownst to the authorities, her brother and Behnam have come up with a daring plan to smuggle her out of Iran and reunite her with her family. Assisted by Zanyar, a teacher involved in clandestine escape networks, Maryam sets off on a perilous journey toward freedom.
Maryam’s journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty. She navigates treacherous terrain and harsh conditions, driven by the hope of reuniting with her loved ones. Zanyar’s network provides crucial support, but Maryam’sdeterminationis continually tested by the immense risks involved.Upon reaching Turkey, Maryam finally reunites with Behnam, Dena, and Alborz. The brief time they have together is filled with intense emotions, as Maryam experiences the joy of family life and the bittersweet reality of her situation. As the seven days draw to a close, Maryam faces a heart-wrenching decision: to remain in Turkey and eventually join her family in Germany, living in freedom, or to return to Iran and the prison cell to continue her fight for equality and democracy.

Critics describe Seven Days as :

“a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the tensions between political resistance and personal sacrifice.”

SEVEN DAYS is a gripping portrayal of sacrifice, resistance and the power of family ties. It movingly shows the difficult choices faced by those who stand against oppression, and the personal costs of the struggle for human rights. Maryam’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fight for a better future, even at the expense of their own freedom.

Premiering in the Centrepiece section at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, Seven Days examines the inner conflict of Maryam, played by Vishka Asayesh. Her character is inspired by real-life human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, recently awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her fearless leadership in the fight against oppression in Iran, & many other women activists in Iran with the same journey.
The film reaches its emotional peak when Maryam, imprisoned for her activism, is granted a rare medical leave. She faces an agonizing decision: remain in Iran to continue her fight for equality and democracy, or escape to reunite with her husband and children in Germany.
In a poignant moment, Seven Days concludes with quotes from a letter written by Narges Mohammadi to her children. Her words reflect the deeply personal decisions made by countless activists like Nasrin Sotoudeh and Mohammadi herself—choices that resonate with anyone fighting injustice around the world. The film addresses a universal dilemma: remain silent and protect oneself, or raise one’s voice and stand up for others.

Actress Vishka Asayesh, who plays “Maryam” in Seven Days, shared in an interview with BBC Persian how she immersed herself in preparing for the role. She watched numerous films and videos of Narges Mohammadi to study her mannerisms, speech, and movements. Asayesh explained that her portrayal was deeply inspired by Mohammadi, as well as other prominent Iranian activists like Mahvash Shahriari and Nasrin Sotoudeh. Their courage and determination shaped her approach to the character, allowing her to bring authenticity and emotional depth to the role.

 

 

Actress Vishka Asayesh, who plays “Maryam” in Seven Days, shared in an interview with BBC Persian how she immersed herself in preparing for the role. She watched numerous films and videos of Narges Mohammadi to study her mannerisms, speech, and movements. Asayesh explained that her portrayal was deeply inspired by Mohammadi, as well as other prominent Iranian activists like Mahvash Shahriari and Nasrin Sotoudeh. Their courage and determination shaped her approach to the character, allowing her to bring authenticity and emotional depth to the role.

 

فیلم هفت روز، به کارگردانی علی صمدی احدی و نویسندگی محمد رسول‌اف، الهام گرفته از زندگی نرگس محمدی، برنده جایزه صلح نوبل ۲۰۲۳ و دیگر فعالان حقوق بشر است. این فیلم داستان مریم، یک زن زندانی سیاسی، با بازی ویشکا آسایش را روایت می‌کند که باید بین ادامه مبارزه برای آزادی یا پیوستن به خانواده‌اش در خارج از ایران یکی را انتخاب کند. منتقدان آن را «فیلمی گیرا و اندیشمندانه درباره تنش میان مقاومت سیاسی و فداکاری شخصی» توصیف کرده‌اند.

فیلم برای اولین بار اواخر شهریورماه ۱۴۰۳ در جشنواره فیلم تورنتو به نمایش درآمد. آسایش، در نقش مریم، با الهام از فعالانی مانند نرگس محمدی، مهوش شهریاری و نسرین ستوده، و با تمرین نحوه گفتار و رفتار آنها، برای نخستین بار بدون حجاب اجباری نقش یک زن زندانی سیاسی را ایفا کرده است.

این فیلم با نقل‌قول‌هایی از نامه نرگس محمدی به فرزندانش به پایان می‌رسد و دوراهی جهانی میان سکوت و خودمحوری یا ایستادگی برای دیگران را به تصویر می‌کشد. هفت روز ادای احترامی به فعالان حقوق بشر است که میان فداکاری شخصی و مبارزه برای آینده‌ای بهتر گرفتارند.