Director Hassan Akhondpour and actress Mahtab Keramati

Screened at Cannes Short Film corner "Baher Her Mind" delves into the psyche of an Iranian woman "paranoid" 'jealous" imagined or not of her suspicions her husband is having an affair with another woman. The plot revolves around the main character struggling to align her inner world set against a stunning backdrop and elaborate set designs and skillful cinematography 

One wonders if a male director Hassan Akhondpour can direct a story about a woman pertaining to women. Maybe the answer is yes as the film alludes to a woman who need to speak with her own voice but in the end she remains muted and pacified.

Baher Her Mind is an ambitious and elaborate production with technically well delivered scenes  including underwater scenes and car chase action scenes. One asks themselves "How did they do that?" 

Lead actress Mahya Dehghani

As a story the film is a reflection of cultural norms and a statement of women in contemporary Iranian society.  Perhaps akin to a quasi  "Cinderella" story about a woman who appears "delusional" and "paranoid" because her husband is planning a surrprise party for her birthday hence causing the hushed activites driving the woman to the brink of madness. The film depicts her journey as she brings herself to the point of madness as she desperately discovers what is really going on. Is Baher Her Mind a man's film where women are portrayed or an honest attempt to scratch beneath the surface.

The film begs the question if marriage is love or obssesion or possession. The films explores the plights of a woman's insecurity of the female lead who is jealous of another woman's perceived status and beauty.

The allegorical integration  of the other woman and the horse is visually stunning. The film uses horses allegorical to the beauty and power and attraction of woman to nature.  I spoke with  director  Assam Akhondpour during an interview at Cannes film festival and he explains how he is hopes Baher Her Mind to evolve into a full length feature film.

The viewer enters into the realms of a woman's mind and perceptions.  A contemporary attitude remains a question. Does the film succeed to realistically convey the message of contemporary struggles  of women in Iranian society, women as part of the global struggles and society versus the self?

The synopsis explains "Because of her culture, economy, politics, and tradition, the Iranian woman has numerous doubts that do not let her have peace of mind. These doubts have caused a big pessimism in her life; pessimism about fate, love, and everything that goes around her. She must kill the demons in her mind every day but they come back to life again. Even the smile and happiness of her friends and her lover do not interest her and no surprise makes her astounded."

Official trailer

written by Laurie Gordon