In the Room (2025)★ 8.6/10

A really eye-opening doc with a deeply personal touch. Learning about the history of Afghanistan through the eyes of these women made a story that could hit that much harder, and the director's choice to include herself in the interviews themselves made for some interesting conversations. I also liked the way it played with sound, archival footage and texture.

It was such a joy and privilege to attend the world premiere of IN THE ROOM at VIFF 2025, in the presence of the filmmaker Brishkay Ahmed, two of the film's participants, Vida Samadzai and Mozhdah Jamalzadah, as well as the core film team, including producer Teri Snelgrove.

Full disclosure: I am the publicist of this film and I'm delighted about the media coverage so far.

Brishkay Ahmed, a feminist and activist, as well as a playwright and film director, is a force of nature, who gives fiery interviews ~ listen to recent podcast episodes on CBC On the Coat, Talking in the Rain, the YVR Screen Scene and Joseph Planta's The Commentary.

After VIFF, the film will play at Reelworld Toronto on Oct 19. The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) will make the film available for free streaming later this winter.

I'll leave you with some recent media pull quotes:

“Visually stunning”-Serra Uncu, Talking in the Rain

“a celebration of Afghan resistance”-Sabrina Rani Furminger, YVR Screen Scene

“a timely, and necessary film about the heroism of Afghan women”-Joseph Planta, The Commentary

“"[Brishkay] Ahmed changes how we frame conversations about Afghanistan"-V.S. Wells, The Georgia Straight

“This film is a reminder to pay attention.”-Dana Gee, The Vancouver Sun

“a strong film”-Volkmar Richter, The National Observer

--VIFF 2025 film No. 7--