Reyhaneh Jabbari was a young, modern Iranian woman with ambitious plans and dreams. Then an encounter with a powerful man changed everything. When he tried to rape her, she defended herself with a knife, stabbing him once before fleeing.

She was arrested that night for murder and ultimately sentenced to die. She was 19 years old.

The ensuing legal battle she and her family fought across seven years garnered the world’s attention and led to international pressure for her release. Seven Winters in Tehran traces Reyhaneh’s journey as she endures prison and grows determined to fight for women’s rights while staring down her pending execution.

In her documentary debut, director Steffi Niederzoll weaves together Reyhaneh’s story through her letters, secretly recorded videos, and interviews with her family members.

Reyhaneh’s voice is provided by Zar Amir Ebrahimi (who won Best Actress in 2022 at Festival de Cannes for Holy Spider). Reyhaneh’s terrible situation sheds light on the injustices women in Iran face and becomes a symbol of resistance and women’s rights.

Content warning: This film includes challenging and/or triggering subject matter, descriptions of sexual assault and violence.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is proud to partner with Dave Barber Cinematheque on this screening as part of our ongoing Human Rights Through Film series.

Showings

Friday, November 24 at 8:45 pm
Saturday, November 25 at 3:00 pm and 8:45 pm
Sunday, November 26 at 5:00 pm
Thursday, November 30 at 8:45 pm

To Note

Human Rights Through Film screenings are free for Museum members.

Complimentary tickets can be reserved by selecting the CMHR Member ticket option on the Cinematheque website or at the theatre’s box office. You will be asked to show your Museum membership card at entry.

Admission for non‐members is $10.

Not yet a member? Join our community by exploring our membership options.