Following the premiere of the documentary, “The Children of Camp Ashraf”, Atefeh Sebdani, wrote about her feelings on her Likedin account. Sebdani is one of the four children of Mujahed parents whose life story is documented by the director, Sara Moien.
Atefeh has recently debuted with the gripping autobiography My Hand in Mine. It is a story about growing up with no one to hold on to but yourself, of abuses that are skillfully covered up by the Mujahedin-Khalq (MEK) and a society that fails to see the vulnerable child.
Read her post on Linkedin after Sara Moien’s film was finally played in the Swedish Goteborg Festival:
They say you should face your fears. I don’t know how many times I’ve done it in my life, or how many more times I’ll have to do it.
It was a full circle when the world premiere of our documentary happened to be in my hometown.
It feels strange that years of recording and hard work from the production have now led to this. That the world will know more about this fanatical, terrible cult. That I kept this project a secret for so long and now can finally talk about it!
The cult did everything in its power to stop the film, harass the festival and production, and smear us protagonists. They have put out terrible press releases about us and their fear is seeping through.
I’ve felt every emotion imaginable this week. Fear, sadness, shock, joy, euphoria. It’s been overwhelming.
But what an important and beautiful documentary film. Sold out every day and a historical chapter. Don’t miss it when more chances come next, keep your eyes open and please support us.
This is what I wrote on my Instagram the day before the premiere:
Will I feel scared tomorrow?
I wanted to lie and say no to you, that I am now invincible. For, I am not alone. For, history is carried by more people now.
But I will be in the same city where those who hate me the most are, the cult member I grew up with. I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t care.
They say you should face your fears. I don’t know how many times I’ve done it in my life, or how many more times I’ll have to do it.
One thing at a time. Tomorrow, is a day to remember, a day to celebrate.
Many thanks to SVT Sara Moein Parwin Hoseinia Amir Vafa Linda Mutawi Hanif Bali Nima Sarvestani Iraj Mesdaghi Max Sebdani Jacobson Tell Aulin and so many more.