"The Interview " A Short Film Project

Hello, my name is Melika Balali . I am a women’s rights activist, British champion, and award-winning artist. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you The Interview, a short film I’ve co-written and am producing alongside my partner, Javad Daraei , an award-winning Iranian underground filmmaker now based in Scotland.

Javad’s journey as a filmmaker has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by immense challenges, including torture and hardship while creating his last film in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Despite these experiences, his unwavering passion for telling the stories of marginalized people has always driven his work. Together, we have poured our hearts into this project, and now we are ready to bring it to life.

The Interview centers on Sarah, an illegal sex worker struggling to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her story exposes the harsh realities faced by women on the margins of society—those who are too often silenced. Through Sarah’s experience, we explore the emotional and physical struggles that many marginalized women endure, particularly in times of crisis.

Although the script was written during the pandemic, Javad’s personal journey, marked by trauma and years of isolation, meant that we had to put the project on hold. Now, after five years of reflection and recovery, he is ready to direct this important film.

We plan to shoot The Interview in Scotland, where we now live, and use this beautiful backdrop to further enrich the storytelling. This film will not only highlight the struggles of women like Sarah but also advocate for their dignity and rights.

To make this vision a reality, we need your support. By contributing to The Interview, you are not just supporting a film—you are standing with us in the fight for women’s rights, justice, and equality. Together, we can give a voice to women whose stories are too often overlooked.

Thank you for your belief in this project and for supporting us. Your contribution will make a significant difference in bringing The Interview to the screen.

Fallow us here !