Inspired by true events that took place after the Americans announced their withdrawal from Afghanistan, an Afghan prosecutor fleeing from the Taliban, seeks the help of an American journalist to evacuate from Kabul before the last plane departs.

Interview with Director Tara Motamedi

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Inspired by real tales of resilience against the Taliban, my film's inception sprouted from a personal connection. I aimed to assist a young woman and her family as they sought refuge from Afghanistan's turmoil. Despite our efforts falling short and her stranded in Kabul, I was compelled to craft a script and eventually a film. The character's essence is rooted in the woman I know, along with the courage of countless women who once sparked change through their careers before the Taliban's rise, now grappling with dwindling hope. This film offers a glimpse into the chaos of Afghanistan's Taliban takeover, shedding light on the profound impact on a determined career-driven woman's life and the broader realm of human rights.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Well, the foremost reason? Good old entertainment – the very essence of cinema. Making movies is about creating an experience that captivates, and that's precisely why I'm in this game. But it goes deeper for me. I believe in weaving stories that resonate, and that leave a mark. Stories that broaden horizons, stir emotions and take you on an exhilarating journey – one that's brimming with anticipation, genuine feelings, racing heartbeats, and perhaps a few tears. So, why should you dedicate your time to this film? Because it's an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, feel the thrill, and be moved – something every impactful film offers.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

As an Iranian woman who's faced life's challenges within the realm of government restrictions and passionately advocated for equality, the themes of empowerment and justice have become intrinsic to my stories.

My life journey provides the foundation for stories of female protagonists who echo the voices of the strongest among us, rising against adversities. My films so far have been about heroines who refuse to be silenced, battling against the odds for their beliefs. These strong protagonists resonate beyond their individual paths and characters, encapsulating the struggles of countless women striving for equality and dignity. Through my work, I aim to cast light not only on stories close to my heart but also to mirror the shared challenges and victories that unite us all.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

Well, the script began with a real-life woman's wish to leave Kabul before it was too late. During development, as I researched more people whose lives had been impacted by the Taliban takeover, the narrative expanded and evolved the characters to embody the strength of many.

The film's evolution continued on set and in post-production as the cast and crew added their unique touch. Neagheen Homaifar and Wida Karim breathed life into their characters, infusing authenticity into our world and adding weight to a very real and important conflict. The collaborative efforts of my team, notably my Director of Photography, Daniel Rink, and Production Designer, Ves Phillippi, brought the vision to life more beautifully than I had imagined it.

In the skilled hands of my editor, Shannon Albrink, the film came alive. Her dedication to weaving together the scenes with a keen eye for emotions elevated each scene. Our journey underscores the importance of authenticity and staying true to the story's essence. Sometimes, you have to respectfully brush off different ideas in your ear and touch base with the root of the inspiration which for us was, the resilient women in Afghanistan. The real reward has been witnessing Afghan friends being moved by the film. It's a testament to the film's ability to connect through shared experiences and genuine storytelling.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The response has been deeply moving. At our Tribeca premiere, I looked around and saw people in tears. During the break, a woman approached me; she was so touched by the film that she wanted to screen it for a nonprofit and raise funds to make a difference. Beyond its journey through various festivals and winning awards, what truly touches me is how the film resonates with Afghan audiences. I'm genuinely grateful to have been entrusted with their story.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

By making my film more visible on We Are Moving Stories, I’m hoping to reach a broader audience. The platform is all about sharing stories that matter from different perspectives, which aligns perfectly with my film's message. What I really want is for the film to touch people, even those who might not have any connection to Afghanistan. I believe that by featuring it on this platform, I can engage viewers who may be moved by the themes and experiences I've portrayed. And beyond that, I hope that this visibility can motivate people to get involved in advocacy efforts and support Afghan women who've lost their jobs due to the Taliban's actions, yet are still responsible for their families. I see my film as a way to shed light on their struggles and inspire positive action.

Behind the scenes of Before Dawn, Kabul Time

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

All of the above.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I hope it sparks empathy, understanding, and meaningful conversations about the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan and the broader issues of human rights and equality. The ultimate goal is for the film to contribute to positive change.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

How can we collectively address the critical issue of girls' education in Afghanistan and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn and thrive?

Would you like to add anything else?

I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to our film's sponsor, Indeed. As a prominent job search platform, Indeed's support through their Rising Voices program has been instrumental in bringing my film Before Dawn, Kabul Time to life. This connection takes on a deeper resonance as the film's theme highlights the challenges women face in terms of opportunities and employment. Indeed's commitment to empowering individuals across all walks of life, including their sponsorship of short films, showcases their dedication to fostering positive change and amplifying important voices.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I'm deep into writing a thrilling feature script. It's all about a young woman's journey as she faces being held captive in a remote area. She's determined to break free and the story dives into her grit and determination to come out empowered and resilient.

Interview: August 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Before Dawn, Kabul Time

Length: 14:00

Director: Tara Motamedi

Producer: Helena Sardinha, Rafael Thomaseto

Writer: Tara Motamedi

About the writer, director and producer:

TARA MOTAMEDI, a first-generation American, shaped by a multicultural upbringing in Iran, fearlessly traversed continents to settle in California. Winner of a DGA, WGA, and a College Emmy Award, her cinematic prowess crafts emotionally resonant narratives with a global impact.

As native Brazilians, HELENA SARDINHA and RAFAEL THOMASETO aim to diversify the film industry, while merging their skills to discover and support new talent.

Key cast: Wida Karim, Neagheen Homaifar

Looking for: journalists

Instagram: @motamedi.tara, @beforedawnkabultime

Hashtags used: #BeforeDawnKabulTime #TaraMotamedi #IranianDirector #AfghanFilm #TrueStory

Website: www.taramotamedi.com

Other: IMDb

Made in association with: Indeed Rising Voices

Funders: Indeed, Hillman Grad, Ventureland

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Cinequest / ICON Theatre - Aug 24th 1:45pm
Cinequest / ICON Theatre - Aug 26th 2:00pm