Breaking Down Cineglobe's 2017 Best Documentary: "The Untold Side"

The 2017 Cineglobe Film Festival, held at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Geneva, Switzerland, awarded its prestigious Audience Award for Best Documentary to "The Untold Side." This article breaks down the film, exploring its subject matter, context, impact, and potential future developments.

Who? What?

"The Untold Side" is a documentary film directed by Shahab Vali and produced by Vali Film, a production company based in Iran. The film focuses on the lives and experiences of Iranian nuclear scientists and their families, specifically addressing the assassinations and threats they faced during the height of Iran's nuclear program development. It attempts to present a perspective often absent from Western media coverage of the Iranian nuclear issue, focusing on the human cost and the perceived justifications for the program from the Iranian perspective.

When? Where?

The film premiered and won its award at the 2017 Cineglobe Film Festival, which took place from March 22-26, 2017, at CERN in Geneva. This festival, known for its focus on science-related films and documentaries, provided a significant platform for "The Untold Side" to reach an international audience. The events depicted in the film primarily transpired between 2010 and 2012, a period marked by heightened tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions and a series of targeted assassinations of Iranian scientists.

Why? The Context and Motivation

The film's existence and its focus on the Iranian perspective are deeply rooted in the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Iran's nuclear program. For decades, Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, such as energy production and medical isotopes. However, Western powers, particularly the United States, have expressed concerns that Iran's nuclear activities could be used to develop nuclear weapons.

This suspicion, coupled with Iran's history and regional ambitions, led to international sanctions and a climate of intense scrutiny. The period between 2010 and 2012 witnessed a series of assassinations targeting Iranian nuclear scientists, including Masoud Alimohammadi, Majid Shahriari, and Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan. These events fueled conspiracy theories, with Iran accusing Israel and the United States of being behind the killings.

"The Untold Side" emerges from this context, aiming to present the human impact of these events on the families of the scientists and to offer a counter-narrative to the dominant Western portrayal of the Iranian nuclear program. It seeks to humanize the individuals involved and explore the motivations behind Iran's pursuit of nuclear technology from an Iranian viewpoint.

Historical Context: A Program Under Scrutiny

The history of Iran's nuclear program dates back to the 1950s, with initial support and cooperation from the United States under the "Atoms for Peace" program. However, the 1979 Iranian Revolution dramatically altered the relationship between Iran and the West. Following the revolution, the program continued, albeit with periods of slowdowns and restarts.

In the early 2000s, revelations about clandestine nuclear facilities, such as the Natanz uranium enrichment plant and the Arak heavy water reactor, raised serious concerns about Iran's intentions. These revelations led to the imposition of increasingly stringent international sanctions aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear activities. The assassinations of Iranian scientists further escalated tensions and contributed to a climate of mistrust and suspicion.

Current Developments: The JCPOA and Beyond

In 2015, Iran and six world powers (the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany) reached the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal. This agreement placed restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

However, in 2018, the United States, under the Trump administration, unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions on Iran. This decision has significantly impacted the Iranian economy and has led to a gradual rollback of Iran's commitments under the JCPOA. While President Biden has indicated a willingness to rejoin the agreement, negotiations have stalled and the future of the JCPOA remains uncertain.

The collapse of the JCPOA has fueled concerns about a potential escalation of tensions in the region and the possibility of Iran developing nuclear weapons. The assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in November 2020, attributed to Israel, further exacerbated these tensions.

Likely Next Steps and the Film's Continued Relevance

The future of "The Untold Side" is tied to the ongoing geopolitical developments surrounding Iran's nuclear program. The film's award at Cineglobe provided it with a platform for international recognition, but its distribution and reach have likely been limited by the sensitive nature of its subject matter and the prevailing political climate.

Going forward, the film's relevance will depend on several factors:

• The future of the JCPOA: If the JCPOA is revived, the film may be viewed as a historical document that provides insights into a particularly tense period in the history of the Iranian nuclear program. If the JCPOA remains defunct, the film's portrayal of the Iranian perspective may become even more important in understanding the motivations and concerns driving Iran's nuclear ambitions.
• International relations: The film's reception will likely be influenced by the broader state of relations between Iran and the West. Improved relations could lead to greater interest in understanding the Iranian perspective, while heightened tensions could result in increased scrutiny and skepticism.
• Distribution and accessibility: Expanding the film's distribution and making it more accessible to international audiences could increase its impact and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the Iranian nuclear issue. This could involve submitting the film to other film festivals, securing distribution deals with streaming services, or organizing screenings and discussions in academic and policy settings.
• Continued dialogue: The film could serve as a catalyst for dialogue and discussion about the Iranian nuclear program, particularly among policymakers, academics, and the general public. By providing a platform for Iranian voices and perspectives, the film could contribute to a more informed and constructive approach to addressing this complex and sensitive issue.

In conclusion, "The Untold Side" is more than just a documentary; it is a product of, and a commentary on, a complex and ongoing geopolitical struggle. Its award at Cineglobe highlights the importance of understanding different perspectives and the human cost of international conflicts. As the future of the Iranian nuclear program remains uncertain, the film's insights into the motivations and concerns of those involved will continue to be relevant and valuable.