Watch When God Sleeps

When God Sleeps is a 2017 documentary directed by Till Schauder, which takes a closer look at the life of Iranian musician, Shahin Najafi. The film is both an account of Najafi's musical journey and his political activism, as he grapples with the dangerous consequences of challenging the Islamic Republic of Iran. The documentary begins with Najafi performing on stage in Germany, where he has been living in exile since 2011 after receiving death threats from the Iranian government. We are quickly introduced to Najafi's music, which is a potent blend of rock, rap, and traditional Iranian music. His lyrics tackle sensitive issues such as religion, government oppression, and social injustice, which have earned him both praise and condemnation.

As the film progresses, we are given a glimpse into Najafi's personal life and his experiences growing up in Iran. Through interviews with Najafi's family and friends, we learn about his teenage years, where he was heavily influenced by the burgeoning underground rock scene in Iran. We see footage of him performing in small clubs and singing lyrics that question the regime. It is apparent that Najafi was a rebellious young man who was not afraid to speak out against injustice.

However, it wasn't until 2010 that Najafi's world turned upside down. He released a song called "Naghi" which was critical of the twelfth Shia imam, a highly revered figure in Iran. The song caused an uproar amongst conservative religious groups and the Iranian government, who issued a fatwa (religious decree) condemning Najafi to death. Fearing for his life, Najafi fled the country and has been living in exile ever since.

The film explores Najafi's creative process and the inspiration for his music. We follow him as he records his latest album, "Tramadol", and see the intense emotions he pours into his work. There are also interviews with fellow musicians and artists who have collaborated with Najafi, including the German-Turkish singer, Muhabbet.

When God Sleeps doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of Najafi's situation. Throughout the film, we are shown the numerous death threats and intimidation tactics used against him by the Iranian government and religious hardliners. There are chilling scenes where we hear recordings of phone calls made to Najafi, threatening him and his family with violence. We see Najafi as a man constantly looking over his shoulder, acutely aware of the danger of his situation.

The film also delves into Najafi's personal relationships, particularly with his girlfriend, Leili Bazargan. We see the strain that his lifestyle puts on their relationship, as they struggle to maintain a long-distance relationship in the face of constant danger. Leili is an integral part of the film, and we hear her thoughts on Najafi and his music, as well as the difficulties of living with the constant fear of violence.

Ultimately, When God Sleeps is a riveting and powerful documentary that sheds light on the plight of artists in Iran who dare to speak out against the government. We are shown the immense courage of Shahin Najafi, who continues to fight for his right to express himself despite the danger to his life. It is a poignant and important film that provides a window into the world of censorship, oppression, and political unrest in Iran.