Benjamin Biolay, Chiara Mastroianni, Camille Cottin… 50 famed personalities join to sing the Iranian song
« Baraye » which has become the rallying song of the revolt in Iran. Marjan Satrapi tells us about the history of this initiative and it’s support in favor of Iranian people.
Baraye, « for freedom » : In an energetic and emotional video clip which is now online since wednesday 50 french personalities have interpreted the song Baraye which has become the rallying call for freedom these past weeks in Iran. Chiara Mastroianni, P.R2B, Camille Cottin, Olivier Lousteau, Yaël Naïm, Elsa Wolinski, Harry Roselmack amongst others sing in persian with a musical arrangement by Benjamin Biolay. The video edited by the association « Collectif 50 / 50 “ and directed by Marjan Satrapi author of the award winning film and comic books “Persepolis” .
Below is the translation of a Q&A in French magazine Telerama.
Original Link to article in French here
What is the origine of the song Baraye ?
It was written by Shervin Hajipour, a popular singer who composed the song inspired by the numerous rebellious tweets which appeared upon the death of Mahsa Amini. On 16 september she was arrested and allegedly killed by Iran’s “morality police” because she did not wear the mandatory “hijab” (veil)]. His video was aired on social media at the end of september and has since been viewed by 40 million people. Since the song has become the rallying song for liberty sung by equally Iranian men and women every day as a symbol of their upheaval. Shervin Hajipour was himself arrested then released on bail and has since been less vocal. « Baraye » means « for » : « For dancing in the street » « For your sister, for my sister, for our sisters », « For the dreams of childrens», « For a simple and ordinary life » …
How did you come across this song ?
Aïla Navidi a french Iranian actress called me to suggest the making of a video of the song with several women and men where each person would sing one verse. At the same time, Clémentine Charlemaine of the « Collectif 50 / 50” wanted to translate the lyrics in French. The beauty of this uprising in Iran is that it started by women and girls,and today they are joined by men and boys. That is why we decided to include men to the chorus.
“Everyone gave their time, their heart and passion.”
I wanted to keep the original persian song : we don’t sing in french : the song is not intended to a French audience, but as a message to the youth and the iranian people, who risk their lives daily for their rights despite the bullets, imprisonment, rape and torture. We want to tell them that we are with them. We sent a call to 50 people we knew and gave them one verse to learn then we recorded the 50 people for ten hours with technicians who worked for free. Everyone shared their time, their heart and passion. My heart was rejoiced when I heard all these artists learn their lines in phonetics and sing in persian.
What do you hope with this video clip ?
Simply to tell Iranians that they are not alone. We won’t change the world with one clip, one action alone is not enough, but put together each action is important but especially nothing is worse than indifference. The Iranian youth with whom I am in contact tell me: « The support that comes from outside gives us strength and courage». I left Iran in 1994, and since I published Persepolis [a series of autobiographical comic books published in 2000 till 2003. It tells the story of her childhood in Tehran, the revolution and the establishment of the islamic republic in 1979], I haven’t returned since. To speak for young iranians I needed to contact several people and their parents, which I did- however I cannot give you their names or how I contacted them because I don’t want to jeopardize their security.
I am impressed : this generation has not experienced like me the trauma of the revolution. They were born with the internet. They know perfectly what freedom and democracy mean. They are ready. They also know that a dictatorship cannot be reformed. Finally they are profoundly secular and tolerant. As a matter of fact their are many women wearing the veil who have joined the protests. This uprising doesn’t reject the veil it simply asks for liberty and human rights.
“’Freedom’ is the only ‘supreme leader’ they need.”
As being part of the iranian diaspora, is it important for you to find ways to act ?
I don’t really care what is important for me, I do what I can. I took this youth for granted. I used to say « they spend their life on TikTok and Instagram, they don’t know how to write ». Now I’m on the contrary in awe at their education, their culture and their determination. Finally I was the ignorant one ! These young people are giving us a lesson on what it means to stand up for freedom. They are the future of the country. Their love of freedom should be the only “supreme leader” they need.
Related Photo:
Related Song :
"Baraye" as directed by Marjane Satrapi: Here
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