Film Lens
When God Sleeps is a documentary that follows exiled Iranian musician Shahin Najafi as he navigates life in Germany during 2015. The film captures Najafi's struggle to create music and tour while facing threats due to his outspoken criticism of Islam, which led to fatwas issued against him by Grand Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani and Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi for apostasy. His long-distance relationship with Leili Bazargan, granddaughter of Iran's first Prime Minister, adds complexity to his situation.
The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 20, 2017, and later received a limited theatrical release in Germany starting October 12, 2017. It has been screened at various film festivals, including the Munich Film Festival and the UNHCR Refugee Film Festival, and is an official selection for IDFA 2017, showcasing its international recognition and relevance.
Why Watch
- •Meet Shahin Najafi, a musician under threat.
- •See the impact of fatwas on artistic expression.
- •Follow Najafi's long-distance romance with Leili Bazargan.
Did You Know
•Shahin Najafi received two fatwas for apostasy from Iranian clerics.
•The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 20, 2017.
•It had a limited German theatrical release starting October 12, 2017.
•The documentary has a runtime of 88 minutes.
Perfect For
Iranian music fansHuman rights advocatesDocumentary enthusiasts