I Prayed When the Sun Rose (2020)

I Prayed When The Sun Rose" is an Avant-garde short film. It takes us through intrusive thoughts of a man that provides him with an escape from his mundane routine of an unsuccessful relationship. The man visualizes a fantasy and as his fanatical behavior strengthens, he encounters his repressed thoughts in regards to social, moral and religious beliefs creating various obstacles in his motive. Gradually, his ever-increasing zeal causes a distorted sense of reality and a flat affect in his behavior, sometimes turning his obstacles into his assets and beliefs. As he finally attains his fantasy, that is nothing but sexual contact with a female, he hits back to reality and questions his existence. The title of the film is inspired by an Islamic concept about the sun rising and setting between the two horns of the devil, thus prohibiting that particular time for the believers from prostrating to pray. Moreover, the film hints to express topics concerning religion, society and the taboo they carry. This mystery contains metaphors that include, but are not limited to the reflection of lust and greed within humans and how individuals gradually adapt to the negativity that surrounds them to fulfill their fantasies, forgetting the pragmatic and moral elements of a healthy society.