Iran under fire: Documentary filmmaker Sarvestani talks about war and hope

Iran under fire: Documentary filmmaker Sarvestani talks about war and hope

Berlin, Deutschland - On June 21, 2025, Iran experiences turbulent times. Iranian documentary filmmaker Nima Sarvestani, known for his work on socio-political issues, reports from exile about current developments in the country. The background to his statements is the premiere of his current documentary "Surviving the Death Committee" in Berlin. The film addresses the survivors of the mass executions from 1988 when thousands of political prisoners were executed without fair processes. These executions were arranged by the then top leader Ayatollah Khomeini and are still a deep sitting wound in Iranian society.

On June 13, 2025, an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities occurred, which tightened the conflict between the two countries and resulted in warlike arguments in Iran. Sarvestani describes the mixed feelings of the Iranians who suffer from the regime. Many are relieved by the bombing of Iranian television, which was used for indoctrination. Before the 1979 revolution, the relationship between Iran and Israel was still peaceful; Since then, however, Israel has been perceived as an enemy.

The role of the regime and the opposition

The documentary filmmaker emphasizes that the Iranian people themselves have to become active to overthrow the regime. A foreign intervention is not sufficient; An organized opposition is required. In this context, Sarvestani refers to the mass executions of the 1980s, which primarily affected political prisoners. Estimates vary strongly, but Amnesty International and the UN Human Rights Council assume at least 30,000 victims. The supporters of the Volksmojahedin Iran (MEK) and members of other left -wing groups were executed in this context, which was used for the rulers at the time for an attack by the MEK, the Mersad Operation.

The mass executions were carried out without a legal basis, there were no fair processes. This was done in a climate complete impunity, while the government ignored numerous international convictions and claims for criminal persecution. Sarvestani describes the trauma of the survivors and the injustice they suffered. He is currently afraid that the regime could possibly collapse within a year and will put his hopes for a democratic future for Iran.

protests and their meaning

The protest movement is organized decentrally without a central leadership figure, and includes citizens from different social classes, including unemployed young people who suffer particularly from discrimination. Up to 30,000 workers have participated in strikes in key industries, which underlines the importance of the labor movement in protest culture. Despite the massive repression of the security forces, who already demanded over 500 fatalities and more than 20,000 detention, there is increasing exhaustion within the repressive apparatus. The cracks in the elite are clear, and security forces are increasingly hesitating to suppress the protests through brutal violence.

In this eventful time, the Situation in Iran remains tense and uncertain, while hope for change in the people lives on. Sarvestani and many others look at a possible democratic future for the nation.

For further information on the background of the mass executions see Wikipedia and and bpb.de.