Is there a nation that unjustly imprisons its citizens? According to independent film director Manijeh Hekmat, Iran is such a society. When one realizes that two thirds of Iranian citizens have been to prison, one can understand the director’s argument. Women’s Prison deals with this issue by depicting women imprisoned because of anti-government activities, prostitution, drug addiction, and murder. The women live, give birth, fight and die within the prison cells. The prison is like a scaled-down version of Iranian society. Mitra, sentenced to life imprisonment for killing her stepfather, is both a revolutionary and a maternal figure within the small universe of the prison. The dogmatic prison officer, Tahereh, keeps “Order.” The production process of the film reveals much about the Iranian society. Although an experienced director, Manijeh Hekmat had to film using her husband’s name. Women’s Prison is a result of three year’s struggle against the Iranian government. (Kang So-won)