The Glass House - A documentary by Hamid Rahmanian and Melissa Hibbard

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    A documentary by Hamid Rahmanian and Melissa Hibbard


“No one runs away from happiness” says sixteen year old Mitra. She sits alone on a park bench, struggling with her deep abandonment issues and contemplating running away.  Her lonely days consist of cooking and cleaning for her father and brother who both abuse and neglect her. Sussan is 20 years old and she has endured so much physical abuse and head trauma that at times she stutters when she speaks. Years of rampant sexual abuse by her own brothers has culminated into a dangerous drug addiction. At an age where most girls are only concerned with make up and clothes, Samira, 14, has been to rehab for the second time. The local police found her unconscious on the street. Nazila, 19, is a juvenile delinquent turned rapper. Although it is illegal for women in Iran to record songs, she says that rap is “how I express myself”. Her deep and meaningful lyrics tell the painful story of an angry woman who resents the society that has discarded her and made her who she is.

    The Glass House by Hamid Rahmanian and Melissa Hibbard takes you deep into the lives of these four girls as they courageously tell their stories while they struggle for their uncertain futures. The Glass House is the untold story of young women who have been cast aside by their society. They have been abandoned, abused and neglected by their country and their families. With no resources, they have no hope of ever improving their lives, until they come to Omid E Mehr.

    Omid E Mehr is a rehabilitation center for young women, created in 2004 by Marjaneh Halati to help disadvantaged young women who suffer from severe mental and emotional difficulties. Omid E Mehr provides these young women with resources to help them become empowered, independent women. For 18 months, 35 young women are given vocational training, counseling and they are taught skills to help them deal with difficult situations. Omid E Mehr not only provides opportunities for these young women, but they are a voice for these girls in a society where they are not counted and they do not matter. Omid E Mehr does all of this without any funding or assistance from the Iranian government.

    The Glass House is an honest portrayal of a dark reality that we too often ignore, a side of Iran that is not often visited. By exposing the shocking stories and the lives of these brave, young women, we are forced to recognize them as a product of a government that treats women like second class citizens. What makes this documentary inspiring is that it is more than just a revealing story of adversity and triumph. It is a reflection of a society with so many struggles that they often leave people behind. The Glass House is the story of those who have been forgotten, and who they become when someone decides they matter.

    One of the most touching moments in the documentary is when Samira leaves rehab. She is clutching her doll in her arms like a little girl, and she says “I can’t believe that I am better…my blood is clean”. This statement should never come out of a girl Samira’s age, but because she was robbed of her childhood, she has endured more in her fourteen years than most people do their entire lives.

    The Glass House reminds us what happens when people are given a chance and when they have someone who supports them and believes in them. These four girls have been fighting and struggling their entire lives, and for the first time they have a safe haven that is fighting for them. Are the efforts of Omid E Mehr enough to undo the many years of psychological and physical abuse? You will have to watch The Glass House to find out what happens to these four young women.

    The Glass House will broadcast on the Sundance Channel in September. If you would like to learn about when it will be playing in your area, please go to: http://www.fictionvillestudio.com/

    If you would like to learn more about the Omid E Mehr Center in Tehran, or if you would like to donate to this organization,
 please go to: http://www.omid-e-mehr.org/

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