This work is not innovative.

It doesn’t present a new subject or reveal an unknown truth.

It simply reminds us of the emotions of those around us—sometimes close, sometimes far away.

It’s just a reminder of a reality.

Tracing the roots of this sorrow—grief, distance, loneliness caused by migration, is complex.

Its causes may be economic, political, or geographical.

But I’m not trying to analyze those reasons. I’m an artist.

Surely, economists, politicians, psychologists, or social workers are more qualified to speak on that.

I just waited, observed, documented, and collected.

Still, these issues are undeniable.

All of us, as Iranians living far from home, carry this pain, aware of where it comes from.

 

In this documentary, I portrayed a problem that goes beyond Iran’s internal issues.

Aware that the more vulnerable segments of Iranian society are suffering, I chose to focus on a group that is more privileged in terms of economic and geographical conditions.

I assumed the viewer is already well aware of Iran’s situation and its broader societal problems, which allowed me to depict another segment of the migrant community and show that all—and I emphasize “all”—Iranians suffer from the destruction of their homeland.