Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver Announces Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Sepideh Yadegar’s One Must Wash Eyes as the Opening Night Film for the 20th Annual GEMFest.
Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver (GEMS) has announced the Opening Night Film for the 20th annual GEMFest, set to take place in-person at VIFF Centre in Vancouver from March 5-9, 2025. GEMFest kicks off with the premiere screening of One Must Wash Eyes, Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Sepideh Yadegar’s feature film debut, inspired by the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. This year’s festival, celebrating two decades of championing women and gender-diverse filmmakers, features a robust schedule of feature films, panels, networking events, and special programming designed to advance gender equity in the film industry, which will be announced in full on February 5th.
The hometown premiere of the award-winning One Must Wash Eyes at GEMFest on March 5th, follows a successful festival run and marks the first time B.C. audiences can see the film. The screening will be followed by an exclusive panel and Q&A session with some of the filmmaking team including writer/director Sepideh Yadegar, moderated by GEMS Board President, Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Ghazal Elhaei.
Filmed in Vancouver, One Must Wash Eyes is the story of an international Iranian student, Sahar (Pegah Ghafoori, FROM), whose life changes dramatically after she’s photographed at a Woman, Life, Freedom protest in Vancouver, leading to severe consequences from Iranian authorities. It captures the helplessness of watching your homeland suffer from a distance and highlights the losses that extend far beyond just precious lives. The film also features a very personal connection for many of the cast and crew who are Iranian-Canadians and particularly Yadegar, who became a refugee in Canada under similar circumstances to Sahar, her lead character.
“One Must Wash Eyes was created with love and a profound dedication to the voices of Middle Eastern women. Across Iran, Afghanistan, and the broader region, women are fighting a courageous battle against systems that strip them of their most basic human rights, whether it’s the right to education, freedom of expression, or safety in their own homes,” says Yadegar. “Their stories deserve to be heard in all their complexity as women navigating a world that often demands perfection while denying them equality. This film stands as a testament to their resilience, their strength, and the power of storytelling to amplify voices that refuse to be silenced.”
GEMFest 2025 showcases diverse stories and perspectives, including a special focus on BC and Canadian film in celebration of the 20th year anniversary. The festival will host screenings, engaging panels, and exclusive events, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences for a celebration of inclusive storytelling. Full lineup will be announced on February 5.
“Our opening night film reminds us of the power of art to illuminate the personal struggles behind larger movements, setting the stage for a festival of transformative stories,” continues Executive Director of GEMS, Anaïsa Visser.
GEMFest is presented in partnership with BC Arts Council, Canadian Heritage, Telefilm Canada, Creative BC, City of Vancouver, CMPA, DGC BC.
