The Siren

Farsi’s vibrant 2D animation, blending magical realism with stark reality, captures the struggle between hope and despair. The film takes us back to 1980, a year after the Islamic Revolution, as Abadan, a crucial oil hub, comes under attack. Young Omid, in the midst of an innocent soccer game, is abruptly confronted with the brutal reality of war. As he takes over tasks from a hospitalized deliveryman, he discovers a traditional lenj, a ship that symbolizes potential salvation.

La Sirène marks Farsi’s first venture into animation, made possible by her unyielding creativity despite being persona non grata in Iran. Together with screenwriter Javad Djavahery, who also lived through the early years of the war, Farsi crafts a narrative reminiscent of the acclaimed Persepolis. The animation creates a buffer against the violence while conveying its emotional impact.

At the Berlin premiere, Djavahery highlighted the power of music over violence. The film’s evocative score, by Franco-Swiss trumpeter Erik Truffaz, blends Western and traditional Iranian music, enhancing the film’s themes. La Sirène also honors the unifying power of music through the character Elaleh, a banned diva who can no longer perform since the revolution.

La Sirène is a poignant and visually stunning film that transports you to a time of conflict, yet brims with hope and human resilience. Don’t miss this unique Belgian co-production, a film that illuminates the power of art and music even in the darkest times.