Life Must Be Seen, Even With Eyes Closed: A Look at Two Documentaries Marking World Blind Day

The documentaries "Narcissus" directed by Zeinab Karimi and "Dance with Me" directed by Mohammad Safa present differing experiences of life for the blind, offering stories of independence, acceptance, friendship, and the determination to keep living.

Zahra Basati: October 23 is named the International Day of the Blind or White Cane Day; An opportunity to pay attention to the rights, abilities and challenges of blind and partially sighted people. Cinema can also be a way to get to know the lived experience of these people more closely; Not with pity, but by accompanying them in their daily life and understanding their concerns and desires.

The documentaries "Narcis" and "Dance with Me" deal with this experience from two different directions. One narrates the life of a woman who tries to empower others, and the other tells about the friendship of two girls who have different conditions and feelings when faced with blindness.

"Narcissus"; A woman who paves the way for others

The documentary "Narcis" directed by Zainab Karimi and with a duration of one hour and 16 minutes, follows the life of Narges Sharar; A woman who has been blind since birth and works to empower blind children and teenagers along with educational and artistic activities.

The film begins with Narges entering the "Garden of the Senses" and the camera follows her at work, at home, with friends and on her daily commute. In this center, Narges teaches Braille, English, and reading stories to students of different ages, and she is also interested in poetry and sculpture. However, his connection with his students is not limited to education; He tries to play a role in strengthening their self-confidence and emotional support.

The experience of congenital blindness has helped Narges to closely understand the challenges of blind children. He turned this knowledge into an opportunity to help others and tries to pave the path of a more independent life for them by providing the possibility of education and empowerment.

Of course, Nargis' life is not limited to social activities. In addition to his professional concerns, the film also depicts moments of his personal life; From being with family and friends to facing everyday problems. The financial problems of "Baghcheh Hawass" are also part of the narrative; A problem that Narges tries to solve and shows another aspect of her responsibility.

Karimi has recorded the life of the main character with an observational approach, without interviewing others and directly interfering in the situations. This method gives the audience a chance to know Nargis beyond her blindness and as an independent, active and hardworking woman. The name of the film is derived from the name of Narcissus and its Greek root, "Narcissus".

"Dance with me"; An invitation to continue living

The documentary "Dance with Me" directed by Mohammad Safa (produced by the Center for the Development of Documentary, Experimental and Animated Cinema), narrates the lives of two girls named Rahela and Faezeh. Rahela is blind, and Faezeh is facing a decrease in vision and the possibility of losing it gradually; Two different experiences that lead to the formation of an important part of the film's narrative.

At the beginning of the film, Rahela has a stronger presence. She is an energetic girl who loves dance and is struggling to find a coach and learn it. The camera accompanies him at home and outside and follows his daily life. Rahela accepted her blindness and despite the difficulties, she continues to seek new experiences and fulfill her interests.

About 20 minutes after the beginning of the film, the focus of the narrative is more focused on Faeza; A girl who has not yet been able to cope with the possibility of losing her sight. His reactions show how difficult it is for him to face this reality. In this path, Rahela plays the role of his companion and guide; A friend who tries to invite Faezeh to continue living and accept new conditions with his personal experience.

The difference between these two characters makes "Dance with Me" a narrative about acceptance. Rahela looks at life with more calmness and energy, while Faezeh is still struggling with her fears and worries. The film reminds us that people do not have the same reactions when faced with big changes, and accepting new conditions is not easy for everyone.

With an observational approach, Mohammad Safa has brought the camera along with his characters without directly interfering in the situations. In this way, the audience can understand the difference between the experiences of Rahela and Faeze through their daily life and friendship.

Seyyed Jamal Oudsimin, the producer of the film, has explained about choosing the name "Dance with Me" that Faezeh is on the path of "becoming" and needs a guide to find her way; The role that Rahela plays for him. The title of the film comes from this; It's as if Rahela invites her friend and others to life and reminds her that despite the difficulties, she can still move and have new experiences.

Two narratives to see life from another angle

"Narcis" and "Dance with Me" each look at the lives of the blind from a different perspective; One tells of a woman who turned her personal experience into an opportunity to teach and empower others, and another depicts a friendship where companionship can make difficult situations easier to accept.

It is recommended to watch these two documentaries on the occasion of International White Cane Day; An opportunity to better understand the life experience of blind and partially sighted people and to remember that behind every different experience, there is a human being with his own wishes, concerns and abilities. Perhaps the most important achievement of these films is that they help us see people's lives instead of defining them by their limitations.

"Dance with me" has been released in Hashur and "Narcis" which was screened at the 19th "Cinema-Ghekrit" festival will soon be screened online.