Mond

'Mond/Moon' made its international debut on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the Locarno Film Festival 77. This film, directed by Austrian-Iraqi filmmaker Kurdwin Ayub and produced by Ulrich Seidl Filmproduktion, showcases Ayub's distinctive artistic vision.

Known for her innovative approach, Ayub delivers a narrative that defies convention, blending stark realism with dreamlike surrealism. The film is a drama that "flirts" with black comedy, characterized by deliberately provocative and politically incorrect dialogues.

Visually, the film stands out with its unique aesthetic, merging artistic and documentary styles. Intimate shots foster a deep connection with the characters, while the accompanying soundtrack heightens tension and introspection. The film treads the fine line between shock movies, immersing viewers in a complex exploration of cultural differences, freedom and the constraints of both mental and social imprisonment.

"Mond" is an introspective journey that compels us to confront both our traumas and those of others, urging us to observe without the power to intervene. The film blends Western and Middle Eastern perspectives, creating an illusion where we attempt to impose our 'civilized' rules. However, it exposes our limited understanding of different cultures, especially when our perceptions are shaped by the media.

The director herself stated, "It is about sisterhood, no matter where they come from, and cages, wherever they are. Cages you want to leave and those you wish you could return to.."

From the first scenes, the film signals a narrative that will not leave us indifferent, challenging our ideologies of salvation as the ultimate truth. We quickly realize that truth and freedom are not the domain of any one culture and are all trapped by corrupt ideologies. What we consider the right choice for us may not be the right one for others. Despite our good intentions, our efforts often seem futile.

The chains we attempt to break only bring us back to where we began, burdened with new traumas and guilt that we must carry forward.

The narrative unfolds in a world that feels both familiar and distant, offering few explanations but drawing us in deeply enough to grasp its message. The ending is deliberately ambiguous, leaving room for multiple interpretations. The director has intentionally withheld her perspective, encouraging viewers to reflect and grapple with their questions and sense of guilt.

But what is the film really about? According to the Locarno Film Festival website, the plot follows former martial artist Sarah, who leaves Austria to train three sisters from a wealthy Jordanian family. What starts as a dream job quickly turns unsettling as the sisters, isolated from the outside world and under constant surveillance, show little interest in sports. So why was Sarah hired?

Sarah, portrayed by Florentina Holzinger at her acting debut, is a young woman torn between two realms: the tangible, everyday reality and a complex, enigmatic inner world. Holzinger delivers an intense performance, navigating situations that challenge her perception of reality and inviting the audience to reflect on the nature of personal and cultural identity.

The film not only delves into the culture shock and the grip of patriarchy, offering a profound female perspective and reflecting on women's resilience and their societal roles, but it also explores the complexities of opposing a regime that stifles freedom of choice. It questions the effectiveness of imposing rules as a solution, highlighting the dangers of misguided resistance that can turn into propaganda disguised as revolutionary justice.

This movie must be seen by as many people as possible, particularly women, to truly grasp the essence of feminism and freedom. It underscores that sexism and the experience of being mentally imprisoned can occur anywhere - in Baghdad, Amman, Vienna, or any other city. Setting the story in Jordan is a bold provocation designed to spark meaningful debate.

"Mond" is a daring work that firmly establishes Kurdwin Ayub as one of the most interesting voices in contemporary cinema. It challenges the audience to embrace new perspectives, leaving a shocking and lasting impact.