Tooba
Synopsis
Her poetic two-channel video installation Tooba is based on the Koran, in which Tooba, the sacred tree of paradise, offers shelter and sustenance to those in need. Neshat's video places a woman within a groove in the trunk of a large fig tree, symbolising its soul. They stand, alone, in a stone-walled garden set in a mountainous landscape. Men and women draw near and enter the enclosure, seeking refuge, as the Tooba-woman disappears into the Tooba-tree. The piece is ambiguous. Who has agency? Is it the crowd, who 'invade' the garden or the tree-woman who draws them towards her like a magnet? Tooba is dedicated to Iranian writer Shahrnush Parsipour, whose novel Women without Men concerns five women sojourning in a garden, one of whom is transformed into a tree.
Release History & Theatrical Window
Thessaloniki International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Shirin Neshat
- Original Title
- Tooba
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 12m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Shirin Neshat
Darius Khondji
Department Leadership Roster
Shirin Neshat
Director
Darius Khondji
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Tooba.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tooba
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Tooba about?
Her poetic two-channel video installation Tooba is based on the Koran, in which Tooba, the sacred tree of paradise, offers shelter and sustenance to those in need. Neshat's video places a woman within a groove in the trunk of a large fig tree, symbolising its soul. They stand, alone, in a stone-walled garden set in a mountainous landscape. Men and women draw near and enter the enclosure, seeking refuge, as the Tooba-woman disappears into the Tooba-tree. The piece is ambiguous. Who has agency? Is it the crowd, who 'invade' the garden or the tree-woman who draws them towards her like a magnet? Tooba is dedicated to Iranian writer Shahrnush Parsipour, whose novel Women without Men concerns five women sojourning in a garden, one of whom is transformed into a tree.
Who directed Tooba?
Tooba was directed by Shirin Neshat.
Who stars in Tooba?
The principal cast of Tooba includes Not specified.
When was Tooba released and how long is it?
Tooba was released in 2002 with a total runtime of 12m.