When God Sleeps - Film Screening & Discussion

“My songs did not make me famous. The fatwa did.” Sentenced to death for blasphemy, exiled to Germany, and forced to live in hiding, Iranian musician Shahin Najafi was found guilty. His crime? Writing hip-hop songs about controversial subjects like censorship, theocracy and, most incendiary of all, violence and discrimination against women.

Armed only with the lyrics of his songs, rich in poetic, literary and philosophical references, and his live concerts, this story highlights the intimate and existential sides of a battle against silence. In the center, Shahin Najafi stands as an example to all migrants and refugees who strive to realize their hope for freedom.

Join us for a screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary film, When God Sleeps, and an evening of discussion addressing the world's current struggle over immigration, the commonalities that unite immigrant communities in our nation, and the importance of free expression. We'll hear critical perspectives from:

- Sara Nodjoumi, producer of When God Sleeps
- Hadi Ghaemi, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI)
- Reza Mazaheri, immigration attorney and the Deputy Executive Director of Resettlement & Legal Services of Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI)
- Farnaz Fassihi, senior writer for the Wall Street Journal

This program is brought to you by FOLCS in collaboration with Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI) and Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). AFI, a program of the SDK Foundation for Human Dignity, provides pro bono immigration representation and facilitates resettlement assistance to international artists at risk. CHRI is a non-profit organization that promotes human rights to ensure a culture of respect for the human dignity and rights of all and to hold Iranian state actors accountable to their international obligations.

All the revenue from this event goes to support awareness, Human Rights research, education and community programs

New York University School of Law has a financial hardship policy. For more information, please contact Shervin Abachi at shervin.abachi@folcs.org.