2023,
Afghanistan,
Persian,
Turkey,
Director: Saeed Mayahy and Miriam Carlsen
Release Year: 2023
Synopsis:
In the months following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, a young couple from Kabul, Malika and Mohamed, found themselves navigating the dark, complex streets of Zeytinburnu, a predominantly Afghan neighborhood in Istanbul. Seeking refuge from the brutalities they left behind in Afghanistan, including the threat of an honor killing and the Taliban's deadly punishments, they dreamed of cultivating their forbidden love in a place where they could be free.
Malika, a transgender woman, and Mohamed, her partner in both love and survival, fled their homeland with hopes of finding safety and a better life in Turkey. Together, they faced unimaginable challenges, from poverty to the constant fear of deportation, harassment, and violence. Their love, however, remained their source of strength, motivating them to fight for a future where they could live openly and without fear.
One day, while walking through their new neighborhood, the couple encountered a young homeless man named Ilham, sitting alone on the pavement with no place to turn. The couple decided to extend their support, bringing Ilham into their self-made family, despite the risk and uncertainty it brought.
Together, the three of them embarked on a journey of transformation.
Their struggles intensified as they dealt with the daily realities of their precarious existence: enduring harassment, dealing with gender identity crises, and seeking help from NGOs while attempting to navigate the bureaucratic hurdles of Turkish residency. Through sheer will and the support they gave each other, they slowly began to build a life for themselves. They secured residency, moved into a new apartment, and, for a moment, their lives seemed to be improving.
However, as the story unfolds, a darker, more complex side of their lives emerges. Ilham, feeling trapped and confused, runs away from their home, accusing Malika and Mohamed of exploiting him by prostituting him to other men. This unexpected twist challenges the perception of victimhood and complicates the boundaries between those who suffer and those who perpetuate harm. The documentary forces the audience to question ethical ambiguities and the complexity of survival in a world where the lines between being a victim and a perpetrator are often blurred.
"Transformation" is the product of a collaboration between two talented filmmakers: Saeed Mayahy and Miriam Carlsen. Mayahy, an Iranian director born in 1991, has been making waves in the world of documentary filmmaking. A graduate of Bushehr Film School, Mayahy has worked on over ten films, including the critically acclaimed "Don’t Worry, Be Happy." His works have been screened at numerous international festivals, including the Miami International Film Festival and the Palm Springs Film Festival.
Miriam Carlsen, a Norwegian filmmaker, brings a unique perspective to the project, shaped by her experiences living and working in various parts of the world. Raised in a family dedicated to sustainable energy solutions in developing countries, Carlsen's travels and interactions with diverse cultures sparked her passion for human stories and cultural bridge-building. She worked for the NGO RAMP in Norway, helping integrate refugee minors, particularly those from Iraq and Afghanistan, and spent years living in Taiwan, Lebanon, and Turkey.
Her background in social anthropology, coupled with her deep interest in the human experience, led her to pursue a career in filmmaking. Carlsen’s transition from a corporate television career to independent documentary filmmaking was driven by her desire to focus on more intimate, personal stories, and her pursuit of creative freedom. Her collaboration with Saeed Mayahy on "Transformation" reflects her commitment to using film as a medium for exploring social issues and the complexities of human relationships.
In their statement, Saeed Mayahy and Miriam Carlsen emphasize the importance of flexibility and humility in documentary filmmaking. They recognize that the process of telling a story is never set in stone; rather, it is an ongoing, evolving journey that responds to life as it unfolds. The directors stress the need to remain open to the unexpected twists that may arise, whether in the form of a piece of footage that becomes unexpectedly significant or a new development that alters the course of the narrative.
Their approach to filmmaking is rooted in the belief that documentaries should capture the authentic, unvarnished reality of life, without imposing a predetermined narrative. As they put it, "the story is a fragment of a reality, not a pre-written script." By working with fragments of their characters' lives and constantly reevaluating the narrative, Mayahy and Carlsen aim to create a mosaic—a film that reflects the complex, multi-faceted nature of human experience.
The motivation for making "Transformation" stemmed from the directors' desire to explore the lives of those who, like Malika, Mohamed, and Ilham, are caught in a constant struggle for survival in a foreign land. The film delves into the emotional and physical challenges they face as refugees, grappling not only with the harshness of their environment but also with internal struggles related to identity, love, and survival. At its core, "Transformation" is a story of resilience. It shines a light on the courage it takes to maintain one's sense of self and pursue a better life in the face of overwhelming adversity. The film also raises important questions about exploitation, consent, and the ethics of survival, prompting the audience to reflect on the complex dynamics between vulnerability and power in the context of migration.
Through its powerful narrative, "Transformation" offers an intimate look into the lives of three individuals fighting for love, dignity, and a better future. It is a poignant reminder that, even in the darkest of circumstances, human beings continue to fight for their dreams, no matter the cost.
Image credits: transformationthemovie.com
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