Where We Used To Swim

Lake Urmia in Northern Iran was once the largest lake in the Middle East. But human influence set its course, and brought upon a devastating drought that the lake could not withstand. Today, just 5% of the original lake remains. The majority of the land is now barren and covered by salt. Lake Urmia’s ruin has become a political symbol all over the country. This cinematic essay observes the places of present and past and weaves a new narration with fragments of identity and memory.