“My Dear Jeff and Marcia, 

I’m sending you this letter from prison, but I’d rather talk of freedom. So, let me speak to you of my dreams, and of roads traveled and not yet traveled.

No government out of animosity can prevent individuals from having human relations. It’s time to put history behind us in order to look ahead. That’s why when politicians show hostility, we need to hear words of love and respect more than ever.  

The arts that people like you give to the world help people like me bring about freedom and justice. I am so grateful for this collaboration. It is this kind of partnership that keeps up our pride and determination. We lean on our friendship and walk toward each other.

I love you.”

“We started this project because we admired Nasrin Sotoudeh from afar. She has long fought for the rights of women, children, religious minorities, journalists, artists, and those facing the death penalty. We felt that her story could inform and inspire people around the world and help create a new understanding of an often-misunderstood country. We are still separated by 7500 miles, but it has been one of our lives’ great privileges to be able close that gap and get to know Nasrin and her equally remarkable husband Reza Khandan. They are a disarmingly kind, charming, and interesting couple, with two children who would make any parent proud. We are continually in awe of their vision, courage, sacrifice and resilience. Nasrin was deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, and she always wanted this film to bring attention to other human rights activists and political prisoners in Iran and around the world. Now she herself is in prison under grueling conditions. We urge you to support this petition calling for her release, and in Nasrin’s name support other groups and individuals in need who share these values.”