dreams of the wild oaks

As a filmmaker who has experienced the limitations and challenges of growing up in a Bakhtiari family, I feel that I am uniquely positioned to tell Samaneh’s story. I understand the cultural and social pressures that can limit a girl’s potential and prevent her from pursuing her dreams. This understanding allows me to tell a nuanced and authentic story that accurately portrays the challenges that Samaneh and other girls in her community face. My mother would tell me how terrifying it was for a girl to get her period for the first time. She felt as if she had committed a great betrayal, and she had to get married quickly; otherwise, she would bring shame to the family. The fact that a woman must feel shame and discomfort because of her most natural bodily function is deeply distressing and agonizing to me. Since this attitude still exists in many Iranian communities, and talking about this issue is considered demeaning and shameful for women, I decided to make a film about it. I have known and befriended Samaneh over the years while working on one of my previous films. When she shared her life story and aspirations with me, I realized that she, just like my mother, stood out from the other girls in the village because of her courage and drive to pursue her dreams. Samaneh believes that her life story sounds unique and fascinating and that it would make an interesting movie that could inspire other girls in the village and in underprivileged areas, so she has provided me with all the necessary support during the development. She even proposed making the film herself, based on her own experiences, which shows her boldness and determination towards improving her life. Another issue that preoccupies me and concerns me as being from the Zagros Mountains is the protection of nature and wildlife. Due to the lack of awareness among the people in this region caused by the absence of information from the national media, namely Iran’s television, in protecting national resources and forests, a significant portion of oak forests is destroyed every year, affecting the whole ecosystem and the animals in the area. Overall, “Dreams of the Wild Oaks” is a documentary that aims to shed light on the experiences of Bakhtiari girls and their quest for empowerment and equal opportunities. It addresses social issues such as forced marriages and limited access to education while also highlighting the importance of breaking taboos surrounding menstruation and protecting the environment. Through personal narratives and compelling storytelling, the film seeks to inspire positive change, challenge societal norms, and promote a more inclusive and equitable society.