Synopsis
In the vastness of the Iranian desert, a group of young artists has created a space for freedom, community, and the preservation of their cultural heritage. Amidst the harsh conditions of their surroundings, they work to restore this ancient structure, turning it into a place of artistic expression and exchange.
Two travelers arrive at the caravanserai and, like countless people on the Silk Road before them, are welcomed. A dedicated young woman guides the audience through the daily life of the community currently inhabiting the historic structure. Together with her fellow residents, she works on preserving the 1850-year-old building and dreams of transforming the surrounding area into a nature conservation geopark. A musician finds inspiration for his art within the walls. One of the founders recounts the beginnings of this extraordinary project, when a small group of friends moved into the desert seven years ago with nothing and began living and working here. Currently, they are restoring the roof and preparing for an important traditional festival. Others are painting for an exhibition in what was once a bathhouse. Obstacles arise in the development of the geopark, and the installation of a new power distribution system happens just in time for the festival.
The documentary film Echo in the Desert accompanies this unconventional community over three months, bringing their history and the spirit of the place to life. It’s a story of humanity, dreams, and the search for a place where one can be at home and be oneself. Echo in the Desert invites the audience to discover an alternative world in Iran—a world where people form a symbiosis with their environment, and where the echoes of deeper human needs for expression and connection resonate even in the emptiness of the desert.
Outline
- Genre: participating, immersive Documentary
- Film duration: 78 minutes
- Language: English and Persian
- Filmed between: October 2022 – January 2023
- Finalization until March 2025
Format & Visual Style
Echo in the Desert is an observational documentary with aspects of a more traditional style. During filming, interference with the flow of scenes was kept to a minimum unless it was an interview situation. Although none of the scenes are scripted, the sequence of scenes in editing will not be entirely chronological. Almost all footage was shot with a small handheld camera to disturb real life as little as possible. The film consists of real moments in the caravanserai and interviews with the protagonists living there. Additionally, some archival footage is used to illustrate how they first moved there to begin the restoration of the building and hold their initial events.
Directors Statement
“Echo in the Desert” was born from my partner Bianca Schellander’s and my encounter with a unique artist community in Iran. The film documents the resilience and quiet creativity of these individuals as they work to preserve their historic home in a challenging socio-political climate. Their journey and artistic expression, despite isolation, reveal something universal about the human need for purpose and cultural continuity.
This film is a collaborative project with the residents, including Mobin, an Iranian musician who has composed the original soundtrack and contributed significantly to the film’s voice. We hope audiences will find not only a glimpse into a hidden world but also feel the strength and hope that these artists represent.
Supported by
Die Realisation des Films erfolgte mit Unterstützung von
Kanton St. Gallen Kulturförderung / Swisslos, Kultur St.Gallen Plus, Steinegg Stiftung, Hans und Wilma Stutz Stiftung, Susanne und Martin Knechtli-Kradolfer-Stiftung
