Maydegol
Documentary, 74 min, Color, 4K, 2:1, 16:9, 5.1, stereo, Persian and Dari, 2024, Iran
Synopsis
An Afghan teen girl, with immigrant parents in Iran, strives to pursue her dream of becoming a professional Muay Thai boxer despite her family’s conservative mindset, enduring physical abuse, and anti-immigrant surroundings. Working day and night, she finances her Thai Boxing classes without her family’s knowledge. Through this sport, she aspires not only to succeed in the ring but also to overcome life’s obstacles. “Maydegol” portrays the perseverance of Generation Z to escape their seemingly bleak destiny, asserting their rights, especially as women, seeking freedom in life despite the risk of losing it. It also serves as a mirror for them to recognize their strength, find inspiration, and gain confidence.
Cast & Crew
Director & Scriptwriter Sarvnaz Alambeigi
Director of Photography Mehdi Azadi
Sound recording Shahin Pourdadashi
Sound Design & Mix Ensieh (Leyla)Maleki
Editor Hamid Najafirad
Color Grading Dirk Meier
Assistant Director Maryam Yaghoubi
Production Manager Vahid Hajilouei
Producers Katayoon Shahabi, Sarvnaz Alambeigi
Production Companies Rabison Art, Noori Pictures
Characters Maydegol, Mohadeseh, Farzaneh
Festivals
Photos
Sarvenaz Alambeigi
DIRECTOR’S Statement
I always eagerly return home to find pieces of my complex Middle Eastern identity by reconnecting with my roots. Home is the safest place to understand the first things. It was at home that the first questions about the authenticity of existence, identity and relationship to the outside world, role and social position were formed for me.When I saw Maydegol, the concept of home came to my mind again. Because despite having three homes, she didn’t feel like she belonged to any of them, and in fact, she avoided all three. I thought about how she makes sense of herself in this world when she was born in a country where her existence as a woman is not valued and respected, either by the Taliban or by regressive ideologies. Will she have an opportunity to develop her values, understand and receive about her true self and enough opportunities for growth in the new house she has moved to? And finally, in her own home, the only safe zone in this world, who is she and how does she feel? At the same time, as I got closer to the life of her, along with the concept of having and not having these three houses, I came to a greater discovery that was with me all the way through this movie, and remains with me: the search for the meaning of life in the constant struggle between fate and free will.