Suraya and her inseparable friend, talented singer Sima, are trying to cope in Afghanistan’s unstable political landscape at the end of the 1970s. From university halls to intimate gatherings, their contrasting visions of freedom clash and converge: Suraya, a wealthy advocate for communism, blinded by its promise of equality, assumes a pivotal role within the pro-Russian faction, while Sima, a humble, conservative Muslim, sceptical of political power games, seeks refuge in tradition and gets married. Despite their differences, their shared conviction to uphold women’s rights still binds them in sisterhood.

This is the story of Afghan filmmaker Roya Sadat’s new historical drama Sima’s Song [+leggi anche:
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scheda film], which will have its world premiere at the upcoming Tokyo International Film Festival (28 October-6 November), in the Asian Future competition. The script was co-written by Sadat, Aziz Deildar and Roellof Jan Minneboo. Afghan-Canadian singer, actress and activist Mozhdah Jamalzadah plays the role of Suraya, while Iranian thesp Niloufar Koukhani portrays Sima. The cast also includes Max Grosse, Nelofer Pazira and Leena Alam.

Sima’s Song is being produced by Frank Hoeve for the Netherlands' Baldr Film, Alba Sotorra for Spain's ALBA SOTORRA, Maeva Savinien for France’s Urban Factory, Stefano Centini for Taiwan’s Volos Films and Roya Sadat for Afghan outfit Roya Film House. Germany’s Pluto Film is handling the worldwide sales.

Check out our exclusive trailer below: