Filmmakers using the pseudonyms Filmsaaz and Neozoon are presenting two political movies at the 2026 [1] Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.
The use of aliases by the creators highlights the risks associated with producing political cinema. By shielding their identities, the filmmakers can challenge systemic narratives and explore sensitive social issues without facing direct personal or professional retaliation.
One of the featured films, "Together," focuses on the rise of individualism and critiques Eurocentric patriarchal narratives regarding land ownership [1]. The work examines how these historical and cultural frameworks continue to influence modern perceptions of property and power.
The second film, "Ãsheghetam," centers on a queer youth in Iran [1]. The narrative depicts the protagonist retreating into a bubble of romantic illusion as a means of coping with the restrictive environment of their home country.
Both projects are being showcased in Locarno, a venue known for highlighting cinema that pushes boundaries and addresses global political tensions [1], [2]. The festival provides a platform for these creators to reach an international audience while maintaining the anonymity required for their safety.
The presence of these films underscores a growing trend of anonymous authorship in global cinema. As political climates shift, the necessity for pseudonyms allows artists to maintain their creative integrity while navigating the legal and social constraints of their respective regions [1].
“Filmmakers using the pseudonyms Filmsaaz and Neozoon are presenting two political movies”
The decision of these filmmakers to use pseudonyms reflects the precarious nature of political expression in restrictive regimes. When artists must hide their identities to showcase work at international festivals, it signals that the cost of dissent remains high, and the festival circuit serves as a critical, safe conduit for voices that would otherwise be silenced within their own borders.
