The Untapped Talent of Pouri Banai and the Brilliance of Hedeyeh Tehrani: Impact on Cinema

I Want to Survive: Change Her Mahmounir!

“I Want to Survive,” directed by Iraj Ghaderi and penned by Rasoul Sadr Ameli, remains one of the most memorable Iranian films, a family tragedy that struck a chord with viewers upon its release in 1994. The story of Mahmounir, a character facing dire circumstances leading her to the gallows, laid the foundation for what became a powerful commentary on the human experience.

Reflecting on this film, one must entertain the notion of how events might have differed if Pouri Banai had played Mahmounir, while Faramarz Gharibian appeared opposite her. Banai’s profound understanding of complex emotional landscapes could have dramatically altered the portrayal of Mahmounir’s struggle—transforming a character navigating despair into one that embodies hope and fortitude amid adversity. Imagining this casting choice invites a creative exploration of cinema that merges reality with possibility, reminding us that filmmaking often revolves around collaboration and artistic synergy.