Nader Saeivar, the Iranian filmmaker behind the family drama 'Hijamat', discusses the film's world premiere at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and its unique journey. Saeivar, who left Iran for Berlin during the shoot of his previous film 'It Was Just An Accident', had to premiere 'Hijamat' without his long-time collaborator and friend Jafar Panahi, who is currently facing legal issues in Iran. Despite the distance, Saeivar and Panahi maintain a close relationship, with the director speaking to Panahi daily. The film explores themes of personal and societal change, drawing inspiration from Saeivar's own experiences, including his reevaluation of long-held beliefs and the impact of moving to Berlin. 'Hijamat' delves into the concept of 'hijamat', an ancient therapeutic practice, symbolizing the need to confront and release internal 'dirty' blood to achieve true freedom. The director emphasizes the universal relevance of the film's themes, highlighting the importance of questioning rigid beliefs and the role of personal journeys in societal transformation.
