Movie Synopsis

Set against the serene backdrop of the Cotswolds, 'Not In My Name' explores the tumultuous life of Hajar, a Palestinian expatriate living with her mixed heritage family. As they seek normalcy far from her war-torn homeland, their lives echo the biblical saga of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar—symbolized by a poignant 19th-century painting, 'The March of Abraham', that hangs in their living room. This allegory weaves through their daily interactions, mirroring the enduring Arab/Muslim and Jewish conflict.

Their delicate balance is shattered with the arrival of Sara, Abraham’s half-sister from Israel. A fervent Zionist escaping a violent marriage and recent Hamas attacks, Sara's presence brings the distant geopolitical strife right to their doorstep. Tensions escalate as Sara, driven by desperation to secure her daughter's future, employs manipulative tactics that spiral out of control, leaving Hajar in peril.

The aftermath forces Sara to reckon with the consequences of her deceit. As she helps Hajar heal, both women grapple with their histories and prejudices. In a narrative twist, Hajar discovers Sara's betrayal yet chooses a path of empathy over vengeance, inviting Sara to remain in their home. Together, they embark on a journey towards reconciliation, striving for a peace that has eluded their ancestors, underscoring the film’s profound message: true understanding and shared humanity can heal the deepest of divides.

Clearly Communicated Idea

'Not In My Name' emerges from a unique cultural tapestry. As a British-Iranian filmmaking duo with roots deeply embedded in both Islamic and Jewish communities, our lives in the Middle East and the UK have profoundly shaped our perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This personal and professional backdrop fuels our commitment to exploring themes of conflict, reconciliation, and healing through the powerful medium of cinema.

The film intertwines the biblical allegories of Abraham—revered by both Jews and Muslims—and the conflict between his wives, Sara and Hagar, over their sons' rights to inherit, with a contemporary narrative of two women, bearing these ancestral names, ensnared in modern geopolitical strife. Central to our story is 'The March of Abraham,' a 19th-century painting that not only symbolizes the enduring legacy of these narratives but also enriches our exploration of inherited conflicts and the quest for understanding.

Through 'Not In My Name,' we aim to showcase how personal connections and the courage to confront painful truths can bridge even the deepest divides. Our goal is to inspire audiences to reflect on the shared humanity that connects us across different races, nationalities, and religions, fostering hope that understanding and compassion can ultimately prevail."

This revision maintains the focus on the joint effort of Sohrab and Nastaran Kavir, emphasizing their shared background and professional aims, while clearly communicating the thematic essence of the film.