Revolutionary Voices: Sreemoyee Singh's Journey in 'And, Towards Happy Alleys'

The documentary 'And, Towards Happy Alleys' by filmmaker Sreemoyee Singh captures the stories of Iranian women, artists, and dissidents. Inspired by poet Forugh Farrokhzad, Singh's film explores censorship through cinema, music, and poetry. Shot in Tehran, it mirrors the cultural and political struggles shared by India and Iran.

Filmmaker Sreemoyee Singh was a university student when she discovered the works of Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhzad. This sparked her interest in visiting Iran to document its stories, culminating in her documentary 'And, Towards Happy Alleys'.

The 75-minute film, now streaming on MUBI India, delves into the struggles faced by women, artists, and political dissidents in Iran. Singh's project is as much about India as it is about Iran, exploring censorship through the lenses of cinema, music, and poetry.

Shot in Tehran, the film features influential Iranian directors like Jafar Panahi, effectively capturing the challenges of artistic expression under censorship. Singh's debut serves as a love letter to Iranian cinema and culture, reflecting on how poetry and music offer hope amid conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)