That Night
Eugene, Oregon | Film Short
Documentary, Animation
That Night is an animated documentary featuring audio testimony from Neda, filmmaker Hoda Sobhani’s best friend, detailing her harrowing experience during a catastrophic fire at Evin Prison during the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom Movement which killed eight inmates and injured dozens more.
That Night
Eugene, Oregon | Film Short
Documentary, Animation
1 Campaigns | Oregon, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $15,245 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
148 supporters | followers
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That Night is an animated documentary featuring audio testimony from Neda, filmmaker Hoda Sobhani’s best friend, detailing her harrowing experience during a catastrophic fire at Evin Prison during the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom Movement which killed eight inmates and injured dozens more.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
That Night is an animated documentary based on political and women’s rights activist Neda Naji's personal account of the harrowing fire at Evin Prison, where she was held in confinement during the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Told through an intimate conversation with her best friend, filmmaker Hoda Sobhani, the film vividly brings to life the terrifying moments when inmates in Ward 209 confronted the fire while simultaneously shielding themselves from gunfire as prison guards attempted to quell the chaos. Neda's audio testimony, combined with evocative animation, enhances the emotional impact of her story.
Amidst this turmoil, we witness the extraordinary compassion and everyday acts of care the prisoners extended to one another, such as when Yalda, one of Neda’s cellmates, collapses from a panic attack. Her fellow inmates gather around her, not only saving her life but helping each other survive one of the movement's darkest chapters, which claimed the lives of several prisoners. The emotional scars of that night remain, but so too does the strength and resilience of the women who endured it. This project is more than a film—it is a platform for showcasing the bravery of women like Neda who continue to fight for their freedom and survival against a brutal regime.
ABOUT NEDA:
Neda is more than a survivor—she is a symbol of resilience and courage in the face of oppressive forces. Imprisoned during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, Neda faced psychological warfare. Her recounting of that terrifying night inside Evin Prison is detailed and raw, yet it also highlights the humanity of the prisoners as they banded together in an unimaginable situation. Despite her trauma, Neda continues to fight for justice, not just for herself but for all women in Iran. This film gives her a platform to be heard, reminding us of the ongoing fight for human rights across the globe.
WHY US?
Building on my past film, Futility Season, this project continues the storyline surrounding my friendship with Neda. Futility Season has been screened at several festivals in the U.S. and inspired me to delve deeper into the themes of oppression, longing, and hope, which are central to both our stories and the larger struggle for women’s rights in Iran. As an Iranian woman myself, the film feels deeply personal. It is a reminder of the continued struggle for human rights in Iran and all those who, like Neda, remain determined despite their circumstances. This is not just a film about an event, but a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran and globally.
WHY NOW?
Thousands of prisoners remain detained in Evin and other prisons around Iran for the crime of self-expression. More than ever, it is important to amplify their stories and to continue showing Iranian women’s strength and determination in the spirit of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. The Evin fire is just one example of the magnitude of oppression that prisoners face. Through That Night, we hope to inspire conversations around such events and the continued repression of people around the world fighting for their basic rights.
WHERE ARE WE IN THE PROCESS?
We are nearing the final stages of post production and need your support to bring this project to completion. Your contributions will be used for the final stage of animation, as well as to finalize sound design and music, which are essential for bringing the full emotional impact of the film to life.
WHAT IS OUR PLAN FOR WHEN IT'S FINISHED:
Once completed, the film will be making a festival run with the hopes of increasing the social impact. We plan to submit That Night to festivals globally. We plan to develop educational material and team with organizations to raise awareness about this important topic.
STRETCH GOALS:
If we surpass our initial goal, we will use the extra funds to organize screenings at key locations, including universities, human rights conferences, and film festivals around the world. Additionally, we will create expanded educational resources to support activists and educators using the film as a tool for advocacy.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
1. CONTRIBUTE AND PLEDGE: You can make a contribution by pledging to our campaign (we need to reach at least 80% of our crowdfunding goal to keep the funds). You decide what fits your budget—seriously, no pledge is too small! Every dollar brings us one step closer to making our film a reality, and every person who contributes becomes part of our community.
Plus, thanks to our fiscal sponsor, The Freelancers Union, your contribution is fully tax-deductible, making your support even more impactful!
2. FOLLOW US ON SEED AND SPARK, ALSO INSTAGRAM .png)
Seed & Spark helps us grow our audience, and the more followers we gain, the more opportunities we unlock for products, services, and festival fee waivers. You can also support us for FREE by sharing our campaign on social media and tagging us on Instagram: @thatnightdoc. We’re grateful for your support!
3. SPREAD THE WORD
Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Animation and Illustration Service
Costs $10,000
For finishing the animation of the film.
Sound Design
Costs $3,000
For audio clean up and sound mixing the final cut of the film
Music score
Costs $2,000
To pay for an original score
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our team is made up of passionate filmmakers and storytellers who believe in the power of animation to bring to life stories that demand attention. Directed by Hoda Sobhani, who brings a personal connection to the story, alongside a talented team including producer Elle Toussi, animator/illustrator Beatriz Felix, sound designer Michael Flow, and composer Benjamin Sturley, we undertake this collaborative project to shed light onto Neda’s experience in Evin Prison. Each of us is dedicated to amplifying Neda’s voice and creating a film that will resonate on a global scale. We are committed to ensuring that That Night is not only a work of art but also a catalyst for conversation and action.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
That Night is an animated documentary based on political and women’s rights activist Neda Naji's personal account of the harrowing fire at Evin Prison, where she was held in confinement during the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Told through an intimate conversation with her best friend, filmmaker Hoda Sobhani, the film vividly brings to life the terrifying moments when inmates in Ward 209 confronted the fire while simultaneously shielding themselves from gunfire as prison guards attempted to quell the chaos. Neda's audio testimony, combined with evocative animation, enhances the emotional impact of her story.
Amidst this turmoil, we witness the extraordinary compassion and everyday acts of care the prisoners extended to one another, such as when Yalda, one of Neda’s cellmates, collapses from a panic attack. Her fellow inmates gather around her, not only saving her life but helping each other survive one of the movement's darkest chapters, which claimed the lives of several prisoners. The emotional scars of that night remain, but so too does the strength and resilience of the women who endured it. This project is more than a film—it is a platform for showcasing the bravery of women like Neda who continue to fight for their freedom and survival against a brutal regime.
ABOUT NEDA:
Neda is more than a survivor—she is a symbol of resilience and courage in the face of oppressive forces. Imprisoned during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, Neda faced psychological warfare. Her recounting of that terrifying night inside Evin Prison is detailed and raw, yet it also highlights the humanity of the prisoners as they banded together in an unimaginable situation. Despite her trauma, Neda continues to fight for justice, not just for herself but for all women in Iran. This film gives her a platform to be heard, reminding us of the ongoing fight for human rights across the globe.
WHY US?
Building on my past film, Futility Season, this project continues the storyline surrounding my friendship with Neda. Futility Season has been screened at several festivals in the U.S. and inspired me to delve deeper into the themes of oppression, longing, and hope, which are central to both our stories and the larger struggle for women’s rights in Iran. As an Iranian woman myself, the film feels deeply personal. It is a reminder of the continued struggle for human rights in Iran and all those who, like Neda, remain determined despite their circumstances. This is not just a film about an event, but a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran and globally.
WHY NOW?
Thousands of prisoners remain detained in Evin and other prisons around Iran for the crime of self-expression. More than ever, it is important to amplify their stories and to continue showing Iranian women’s strength and determination in the spirit of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. The Evin fire is just one example of the magnitude of oppression that prisoners face. Through That Night, we hope to inspire conversations around such events and the continued repression of people around the world fighting for their basic rights.
WHERE ARE WE IN THE PROCESS?
We are nearing the final stages of post production and need your support to bring this project to completion. Your contributions will be used for the final stage of animation, as well as to finalize sound design and music, which are essential for bringing the full emotional impact of the film to life.
WHAT IS OUR PLAN FOR WHEN IT'S FINISHED:
Once completed, the film will be making a festival run with the hopes of increasing the social impact. We plan to submit That Night to festivals globally. We plan to develop educational material and team with organizations to raise awareness about this important topic.
STRETCH GOALS:
If we surpass our initial goal, we will use the extra funds to organize screenings at key locations, including universities, human rights conferences, and film festivals around the world. Additionally, we will create expanded educational resources to support activists and educators using the film as a tool for advocacy.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
1. CONTRIBUTE AND PLEDGE: You can make a contribution by pledging to our campaign (we need to reach at least 80% of our crowdfunding goal to keep the funds). You decide what fits your budget—seriously, no pledge is too small! Every dollar brings us one step closer to making our film a reality, and every person who contributes becomes part of our community.
Plus, thanks to our fiscal sponsor, The Freelancers Union, your contribution is fully tax-deductible, making your support even more impactful!
2. FOLLOW US ON SEED AND SPARK, ALSO INSTAGRAM
Seed & Spark helps us grow our audience, and the more followers we gain, the more opportunities we unlock for products, services, and festival fee waivers. You can also support us for FREE by sharing our campaign on social media and tagging us on Instagram: @thatnightdoc. We’re grateful for your support!
3. SPREAD THE WORD
Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Animation and Illustration Service
Costs $10,000
For finishing the animation of the film.
Sound Design
Costs $3,000
For audio clean up and sound mixing the final cut of the film
Music score
Costs $2,000
To pay for an original score
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our team is made up of passionate filmmakers and storytellers who believe in the power of animation to bring to life stories that demand attention. Directed by Hoda Sobhani, who brings a personal connection to the story, alongside a talented team including producer Elle Toussi, animator/illustrator Beatriz Felix, sound designer Michael Flow, and composer Benjamin Sturley, we undertake this collaborative project to shed light onto Neda’s experience in Evin Prison. Each of us is dedicated to amplifying Neda’s voice and creating a film that will resonate on a global scale. We are committed to ensuring that That Night is not only a work of art but also a catalyst for conversation and action.