About

'40 Days of Silence is a story about women confronting crucial decisions: motherhood, the weight of tradition, homeland, emotional freedom, religion and self-destruction in modern society. Aside from women's issues, I want to explore the idea of identity loss, of deep human reevaluation and transformation in a society deeply rooted in Islam, a society that was reshaped by communism and has recently become independent. How all these changes are reflected in these women destinies, in their souls.' Saodat Ismailova

'Surrounded by high mountains in an isolated village of Central Asia, a young woman named Bibicha decides to take a vow of silence. The Persian title of 40 Days of Silence is Chilla, which translates to "quarantine," and is also a spiritual practice of penance and solitude known mostly in Indian and Persian traditions. In this ritual, a person remains silent and practices meditation techniques for 40 days. Bibicha tries to do this despite many family distractions. In her home, four women from four generations live their day-to-day lives under one roof: a grandmother who married and became a widow when she was just a kid, her oldest daughter who lived in the city and had a child, the granddaughter, out of wedlock, and Bibicha, the aunt and youngest daughter. Saodat Ismailova's first dramatic feature film, shot on location in the Rangoon Valley in Tajikistan, makes silence it's foundation and features an ample and keen sense of shadow, light, and color that is worthy of patience and close attention.' Seattle International Film Festival

Ages 18+