Filmmaker Leila Amini’s sister Nasreen once filled their Tehran home with her beautiful voice. However, she stopped singing when pressured to marry Mohammad. Over the years, Nasreen dedicated herself to being an excellent wife and mother. Yet Mohammad primarily saw his role as working outside the home, leaving Nasreen longing for the simple joys and affections of married life.

When her youngest child was born, Nasreen became terrified that her only achievement in life would be being the mother of two children. She was determined to pursue her lifelong passion for singing, even though performing in public is forbidden for women in Iran.   

Mohammad’s absence and lack of support frustrated Nasreen, leading to many arguments. Her mother and sisters did their best to protect Nasreen’s marriage; they were concerned about her future. Over seven years of filming Nasreen, Leila closely witnessed her sister’s journey to free her voice as a singer and as a woman. From a vulnerable homemaker, she gradually transformed into a woman in control of her own destiny. Nasreen’s emancipation has inspired fundamental change for her children, her sisters, their mother, and, hopefully, for their country.

Director 
and Cinematographer: Leila Amini

Producers: Afsaneh Salari / Vadim Jendreyko / Leila Amini

Editors: Audrey Maurion / Leila Amini / Morteza Payeshenas

Original Score: Nasreen Amini

Sound Recording: Leila Amini /Patrick Becker

Co-Producer: Kaleo La Belle

Associate Producers : Christine Le Goff

contact: afsaneh@docmaniacs.com

A Dok incubator project in 2023

the documentary film A SISTERS’ TALE by Leila Amini celebrated its world premiere in Locarno as part of the 34th Semaine de la Critique.