'Our Iran': A Mother’s Memories, an Artist’s Tribute, and a Family’s Hope for the Future
In 1979, American-Iranian photographer and filmmaker Melody Melamed’s mother Nora fled to the United States (US) with her entire family to escape the Iranian Revolution. Now over 40 years later, Melamed sits down with her mother to create a short film series titled Our Iran to reflect on her life as an Iranian immigrant in the US, and to gather her thoughts on the circumstances in Iran today.
The 5 part series is around 10 - 15 minutes long each. Together, they create a heartfelt documentary of one person’s longing for a home that was ravaged by an authoritarian state, and the real-life testimony of an immigrant who had to fight against all odds in a not-so dream like America. This is why Our Iran by Melody Melamed is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and Reduced Inequalities.
In the short films, Melamed’s mother Nora speaks with clarity and candour. Melamed juxtaposes recordings of her voice with footage taken from inside their family home, a two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles California, a home which they have maintained since they first landed in the United States. From time-to-time, the footage overlaps with A Drunken Cry, a song by Iranian singer Masoumeh Mehrali and musician Arjang Seyfizadeh that includes traditional Iranian motifs, adding to the series’ emotional impact.
Each part of the series finds Nora discussing a new topic, which begins with her impressions of her life in Iran before the revolution and ends with her thoughts, hopes and dreams of Iran’s present and future. She spoke candidly of her family's affluence before the revolution, with a father and grandfather who had contributed greatly to Iran’s academic and social circles. The revolution sadly took the life of her uncle, who was sentenced to death without trial. Hence, the decision was made that they would have to flee the country for their own safety.
On her life in America, Nora is grateful for the opportunities her children have had in the country. Even though life was never luxurious, she is thankful for her family’s ability to move with the tide and persevere through the years. She believes that since the time of the Revolution, the average American’s perception of Iranian immigrants in the States have changed for the better.
Nora admits that back then she felt no sadness for leaving Iran, as she had focused solely on the safety of her family. However, now she longs to return once more to Iran, to meet with its people and taste its food. Iran’s circumstances today pains her, as she sees news of how Iranian youth protesters against the government are imprisoned, raped and even killed for decisions made by their elders. There is a certain helplessness in the air, but she does share that she is still able to hope for a better future for Iran.
Melody Melamed’s Our Iran is a deeply personal and poignant exploration of one family’s journey through displacement, resilience and longing for a homeland transformed by revolution. Through her mother Nora’s candid reflections and evocative storytelling, the series sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of Iranian immigrants in America while simultaneously painting a vivid picture of Iran’s turbulent past and present. By intertwining personal history with broader social and political contexts, Our Iran not only preserves her family’s legacy but also amplifies the voices of those who continue to hope for justice and change in Iran’s future.
Find out more about Our Iran by Melody Melamed and her other pieces on her website www.melodymelamed.com or Instagram @melodymelamedfoto.