Monely Soltani is a queer Iranian woman whose films are full of heart, brains, and dreams. After growing up in Iran during the Gulf War, Monely’s family moved to California where she earned a Global studies degree, filmed multiple social justice pieces, and most recently completed her MFA in Film at USC. Her latest work “Desert Lullabies” follows a 7 year old girl Tara who must flee from her war-torn home. With hypersurreal VFX of apparitions and desert skies, Tara’s dreams help her to find the courage she needs to leave while her dad is away at war. The film establishes a sense of maternal strength since screentime is dominated by an intergenerational female cast including Tara, her mom, her grandma, her doll Anna, and Zoastrian Goddess Anahita.

During the Q&A, Monely mentioned some of the production processes of the film. I was *stunned* over the fact this was filmed in America! Her team constructed the set themselves, did all the costuming, visited a desert in the U.S. and hired someone to write an original score of traditional Iranian music. Everything looked on point, and the farsi was perfect- it took me to Iran AKA ~~We talking pro levels.~~

Soltani dedicates the movie to children of war all over, and takes inspiration from her own experience when her family had to flee during the Gulf War. If you get a chance, I highly recommend seeing it. And, obviously, support Monely Soltani!

http://desertlullabies.com

*Queer Women of Color Film Festival thrown by QWOCMAP as part of this year’s National Queer Arts Festival