BARAYE
by Sarah Fan & Daniella Raphaël
USA
In the quiet confines of her home, an Iranian woman dreams of dancing freely to Shervin Hajipour’s Grammy-winning song, Baraye. This dance film gives shape to the unspoken grief, hope, and strength of Iranian women—a tribute to those who have dared to stand for Women, Life, Freedom, and a testament to the universal fight for gender equality and the right to express oneself without fear.
words from the filmmaker
This dance film does not aim to make a statement or advocate for specific actions. Instead, it seeks to amplify the emotions and voices of these women, shedding light on their stories and raising awareness about their situations. The heart of the content lies in the song itself—dance and film simply serve as a vehicle to convey its message to a broader audience, highlighting the beauty of its words and the courage and bravery of the women in Iran.
Additionally, I hope this project can serve as a reminder that America is a special place in the world, a sanctuary for the freedom of expression. We are legally protected to dress as we like, dance as we like, and maintain individuality — easy to take this for granted, but it’s a powerful gift.
- Sarah Fan, Executive Producer
why we love this film
If a film could say "We see you"... a heartfelt portrayal of pain and oppression, and the ripple effect it has on all of us.
credits
Creator, Executive Producer
Director
Choreographer
Director of Photography
Editor
Lead Dancers
SARAH FAN
DANIELLA RAPHAËL
ELLA MELIDEO
TYLER TANG
SEA GIRA
CAT CRUISE
RYAN AMATO
FAITH AGUILAR
JULIA LOWE
ANTHONY PICARELLO
