Raha Shojaei: Veiled Voices in Postrevolutionary Iranian Cinema, Gebunden

Blurb

This book examines the vocal presence of women in postrevolutionary Iranian cinema. The research explores the concept of the veiled voice, which conceals the bodily aspects of the voice and suppresses its discursive elements. It examines the "veiling" of women's voices in New Iranian Cinema, their relationship to authoritative voices, and their limitations within cinematic spaces. The book dissects how these voices are often marginalized within the cinematic space, either structurally, narratively, or due to patriarchal adherence. It also discusses the concept of the acousmatic voice, particularly in the context of Iranian cinema. Although Michael Chion's concept of the acousmêtre is based on classic Hollywood cinema, this book shows that the mere presence of an off-screen voice does not ensure a predictable impact in the filmic world. The book investigates the unveiling of the female voice as a subject of aesthetic admiration and desire within the cinematic realm, navigating censorship through religious and cinematic elements and explores how cinematic spaces manipulate the presence and embodiment of the unveiled voice to avoid revealing its true source. It also explores the evolution of silence as women's vocal act in the cinematic culture since the revolution.

Raha Shojaei is an assistant professor at the Department of Film, Theater & Dance at San Jose State University. Her research focuses on sound studies with an emphasis on gendered voices in film. This study has shaped her inquiry into how cultural conditions suggest new forms and strategies for a cinematic system and change structures of the interactions between image and sound. Beyond academia, Raha brings a wealth of practical experience to her research. Her professional background includes extensive involvement in the sound production and postproduction phases of diverse film genres, ranging from feature films to documentaries, short films, and animations. This hands-on experience enriches her academic insights, providing a holistic perspective that bridges theory and practice.