AVA

Logline: In Iran, where carpentry is a strictly male-dominated profession and a social taboo for women, a resilient young woman challenges cultural barriers to reshape not only wood, but the destiny imposed upon her gender.

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Film Specifications

Credits:

Director’s Statement

How can a woman redefine herself in a profession that society has strictly labeled ‘for men only’? For me, Ava is not just a character; she is a symbol of resilience, of swallowed silences, and of dreams that refuse to be drowned out by the clamor of judgment. During the making of this film, I witnessed how determination, skill, and self-belief can push back invisible boundaries. My camera sought not merely to record reality, but to unveil Ava’s inner truth: the truth of a woman who fights without pretension, builds with her hands, and inspires by simply being. This film is an invitation to redisover working women—those who defy stereotypes to reshape the world with their own hands. I hope Ava’s quiet strength resonates with the audience as deeply as it did with me.

Synopsis

Ava embodies courage within the heart of traditional Iranian society. Venturing into the forbidden world of carpentry, she confronts a profession where a woman’s presence is considered a blatant taboo. Beyond the physical hardships of the workshop, she battles the heavy weight of social judgment. This film portrays the quiet strength of a woman who, with every cut of the saw, carves out her own identity and redefines what it means to be a woman in her society.

Director’s biography

Mohammad Hossein Bagherifard (b. 1997, Isfahan) is an Iranian filmmaker and producer specializing in social documentaries. He holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering, a background that precedes his career in cinema.

Bagherifard’s work primarily documents individuals within specific social or professional environments. His filmography includes Night Shift Guys (2021), which followed volunteers during the pandemic, and Isfahan Has No Air (2023), focusing on environmental challenges. His latest short documentary, AVA, depicts a female carpenter working in a traditionally male-dominated industry. His films have received recognition at international events, including the New Jersey Film Awards and the Accolade Global Film Competition.