The overarching theme of this true story is that the world must know of the injustices occurring in Iran, and everywhere men and women are wrongly convicted of crimes and callously put to death. It is Soraya’s courageous aunt who defies their village’s villainous leadership and pleads with a reporter to “take my voice” through a tape recording so that the world will hear her niece’s story.
Last weekend I was honored to attend the premiere of The Stoning of Soraya M. at the Los Angeles Film Festival. In speaking with the Iranian-American cast of the film, it was clear each recognized the historic significance of this film’s release during such a momentous time for Iran. Less than a mile away from the theatre where the film was shown, hundreds of Iranian-Americans had gathered to peacefully display solidarity with their brethren fighting for freedom thousands of miles away. Several of the cast members explained that they have been glued to their televisions, computers and cell phones, riveted, with the rest of the world, by the images pouring out of Iran. Each actor expressed optimism that horrific events such as the one they portrayed in their film would soon come to an end when Iran enters a new era of freedom and democracy.
This Friday, The Stoning of Soraya M. will open in several major cities across the nation. Its premiere this week could not be more timely. To show their support for the Iranians risking their lives for freedom, Americans should attend a screening of this important movie. It may seem a simple thing to do, but by bearing witness to Soraya’s story, her death will serve the purpose of focusing attention on the cruel violation of women’s rights in Iran and around the world.
As destiny would have it, Neda’s name means “voice;” Soraya’s aunt asked a reporter to “take my voice” and share her niece’s tragic story. This week, Neda and Soraya give voice to the millions of Iranian women who have been silenced for too long.