Those Who Said No

In the early 1980's, the new Islamic government of Iran cemented its power by imprisoning thousands of activists who were in opposition. During the long incarcerations, the government tortured and eventually condemned its own citizens to death. Now, after 25 years of silence, survivors and the families of the executed raise this history into public awareness at the International Criminal Court in Hague. What follows is an unprecedented court battle. This film by Nima Sarvestani is an unassuming portrayal of people who didn't give in to oppression. The scale of the atrocities is presented tactfully, which brings this topic the attention it deserves. The infuriatingly cruel human fates certainly serve to put things in perspective. Those Who Said No is a story about the ugly side of human nature, but also about the unwavering sense of justice. Atonement may be impossible, but the fight to achieve it is the only humane possibility.
Text: Aleksi Vauhkonen / Translation: Liina Härkönen (DocPoint)