DDM Speakers: "One Must Wash Eyes" Screening and Director Q&A

Please join us for this screening of ECU alum Sepideh Yadegar's feature film One Must Wash Eyes. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Sepideh.

Filmed in Vancouver, One Must Wash Eyes is the story of an international Iranian student, Sahar (Pegah Ghafoori, FROM), whose life changes dramatically after she's photographed at a Woman, Life, Freedom protest in Vancouver, leading to severe consequences from Iranian authorities. It captures the helplessness of watching your homeland suffer from a distance and highlights the losses that extend far beyond just precious lives. The film also features a very personal connection for many of the cast and crew who are Iranian-Canadians, particularly Yadegar.

“One Must Wash Eyes was created with love and a profound dedication to the voices of Middle Eastern women. Across Iran, Afghanistan, and the broader region, women are fighting a courageous battle against systems that strip them of their most basic human rights, whether it’s the right to education, freedom of expression, or safety in their own homes,” says Yadegar. “Their stories deserve to be heard in all their complexity as women navigating a world that often demands perfection while denying them equality. This film stands as a testament to their resilience, their strength, and the power of storytelling to amplify voices that refuse to be silenced."

Sepideh Yadegar is an award-winning writer and director with a body of work that showcases her passion for storytelling and her commitment to creating thought-provoking films. Her feature film, One Must Wash Eyes, has garnered critical acclaim both nationally and internationally, earning Best Canadian Feature at the Regina International Film Festival and Best Screenplay at the Hamilton Film Festival, along with nominations for Best Sound at the BC Leo Awards and Best Emerging Filmmaker at the Calgary International Film Festival, as well as a memorable mention at the Oakville Film Festival.

On the international stage, the film triumphed at the Luleå International Film Festival (LIFF) in Sweden, winning Best Debut Director, Best Debut Feature Film, and Best Actress in a Feature Film. It also received the Best Feature Film award at the Paris Women Cinefest. One Must Wash Eyes is now set to make its BC premiere as the opening night film at the GEMS Festival, further solidifying its impact. Additionally, the film has been nominated for Best Directing and Best Actress at the Beaufort International Film Festival.

Beyond her feature work, Sepideh has directed and produced two short dramas and two short documentaries, each reflecting her keen eye for nuanced storytelling and her dedication to exploring complex themes. She also served as a co-producer and writer on a Telus Original feature documentary, expanding her expertise in documentary filmmaking.