White Torture – Isolation used as torture in Iranian prisons
In collaboration with Norwegian PEN, we are very pleased to present this year's Iranian peace laureate Narges Mohammadi's powerful documentary WHITE TORTURE from 2021.
After the screening of the film, a panel will attend for a conversation about the use of isolation in Iranian prisons and the long-term consequences of this type of torture, about Narges´work on Human Rights in Iran and the current situation in the country.
The panel:
Nora Sveaass, Professor in Psychology at the University of Oslo
Moloud Hajizadeh, Iranian journalist and Cities of Refuge resident in Larvik
Ingeborg Volan, CEO of Bokklubben and board member PEN Norway (moderator)
Practical information
The film is screened in Vika 2, November 12, 3 PM
The conversation will take place after the screening and will be held in Norwegian.
About the film
For many years, Mohammadi has been one of the most crucial advocates for human rights, especially women's rights, in Iran. She has been imprisoned 13 times, convicted five times, and received a total of 31 years of imprisonment. She received the news of this year's peace prize while serving a sentence in the infamous Evin prison in Tehran. From her cell, she stated that she will continue the fight.
WHITE TORTURE was created during a brief period when Mohammadi was released from prison. Through interviews with a variety of former inmates, we meet individuals subjected to torture by being in isolation. Four white walls, only artificial light, no sounds, and no human contact for long periods. A highly effective way to break down a person's psyche, without leaving any external physical marks. After enduring this abuse, perhaps for several consecutive months, the inmate is inclined to confess to things they may not have even done. With this documentary, Narges Mohammadi provides us with a shocking testimony of what human rights advocates face under the Iranian regime.
The Critical Room
The screening is part of the section The Critical Room (DKR), Films from the Souths forum for debate and conversation, and is organized in cooperation with PEN Norway.