Nader Saeivar Discusses 'Hijamat' Premiere Without Jafar Panahi at KVIFF

Nader Saeivar is set to premiere his family drama Hijamat at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) on July 8. This bittersweet occasion is marked by the absence of his collaborator, Jafar Panahi, who is unable to attend due to legal issues in Iran.

Hijamat, a film that explores the struggles of a young man protecting his gay brother, is Saeivar's first feature fully produced outside of Iran. The film's themes resonate deeply with Saeivar's personal journey, reflecting on the rigid beliefs that often hinder personal and societal growth.

Exploring the Themes of Hijamat

The narrative of Hijamat is centered on the character Murad, played by Kida Khodr Ramadan, who faces the challenge of safeguarding his younger brother, Kerem, amidst the backdrop of their deeply religious Muslim family. The film delves into long-buried secrets that threaten to unravel their lives in Berlin.

Saeivar describes the film's essence as a metaphorical cleansing process, akin to the ancient practice of hijamat, which is designed to draw out negativity and pain. He states, “Without tackling the issues that are like a wall that we have built around ourselves, we cannot change any political issues.”

Saeivar's Personal Journey and Its Impact

Moving from Iran to Berlin marked a significant transformation for Saeivar. He reflects, “When I moved from Iran to Berlin after 50 years of my life, suddenly I realized that all those wrong beliefs I had – they broke down within one night.” This revelation has shaped his approach to filmmaking, prompting him to focus on the roots of societal problems rather than just their manifestations.

As Saeivar recalls his childhood beliefs surrounding the Iran-Iraq war, he laments the impact of propaganda and rigid ideologies. “There are still many people in Iran who believe in those things, and even if they know about it, they are afraid of putting them aside and changing their mind,” he explains.

The Universal Message of Hijamat

While Hijamat is set within the Turkish community in Berlin, its themes are universal. Saeivar emphasizes that the struggles with rigid beliefs are not confined to any one culture. He states, “In the East, we can say that this wall around us is formed by religion and religious beliefs, but in the West, the wall is built by memories of the past.”

This exploration of belief systems and their effects on personal freedom is at the heart of Hijamat. Saeivar’s choice of Ramadan as the film's lead was strategic, aiming to connect with the Arab and Turkish communities in Berlin. “He is very well known in Germany and in the Arab and Turkish community in Berlin,” Saeivar notes, highlighting Ramadan's significance in conveying the film's message.

As the premiere approaches, Saeivar's reflections on his work and the absence of Panahi underscore the emotional weight of this project. Hijamat represents not only a cinematic achievement but also a deeply personal exploration of identity and belief.