THE WOUNDED SOUL
They sealed us in blackout, killed every sound,
Then bodies started hitting the ground
So screams couldn’t travel, no witness, no sign,
They slaughtered us with cold, deliberate design.
A wounded boy in a body bag lay,
Three days breathing, afraid to sway.
No food, no water, holding still,
One breath too loud could get him killed.
Through the bodies they searched, not to save,
They hunted the living among the brave.
Looking for breath, a rise of the chest,
One final bullet to finish what’s left.
Two days. Tens of thousands gone.
A life every few seconds, one by one.
The most brutal massacre this century’s seen,
A regime of shadows, a killing machine.
They thought the dark would make us forget
But truth doesn’t die when the lights go out,
It waits.

THE SONG
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The lyrics of The Wounded Soul were written by Mehran Sanei, inspired by a real and recent event in Iran, in which an 18-year-old boy survived by hiding in a body bag for three days.
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Music, melody, and arrangements are by Mahya Hamedi, inspired by Persian Lalai (lullabies), group mourning, and traditional Persian rituals. The temporary instruments in the demo will be replaced. Any creative input on the lyrics or the music is very welcome.
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The piece will be released as a joint Instagram collaboration with the participating artists, alongside an animation created by Onimations.
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This project is pro bono and non-transactional, created in support of the people of Iran.
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Current participants: Vishka Asayesh and Mahya Hamedi
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ABOUT
In collaboration with influential authors, speakers, and artists, Onimations is created by Mehran Sanei, a London-based creative director and animator specializing in audio-based animations. His works have been featured on international platforms such as The Washington Post, Animation Magazine, and the BBC. They have been showcased in cinemas, concert halls, and academic institutions worldwide, including the YouTube Theater and the UK House of Parliament, and have been viewed more than 20 million times on social media.

CONTRIBUTORS

TRUSTED BY VISIONARIES
"Working with Mr. Sanei was a distinct pleasure, as he has the mind of a true creative artist. He actively seeks ways to expand the vocabulary of his chosen art form and is dedicated to innovative technical problem solving. In my experience, Mr. Sanei is a true original poised to do great things."

"Mr. Mehran Sanei has been an exemplary colleague, creating hundreds of short- and long-format videos about a variety of subjects. He has been creative, punctual, responsive, and open to criticism, all the qualities one can ask for in a colleague."

"Mehran has created several animated shorts for Oneworld Publications, and we couldn’t be happier with his attentiveness, time management, creativity, and the quality of his work. Highly recommended!"

Novin Doostdar
Three-time Man Booker Prize-winning Co-founder of Oneworld Publications
ndoostdar@oneworld-publications.com
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"The BBC is extremely grateful for the expertise and professionalism of Mehran. His work has allowed the broadcaster to tell sensitive stories in a creative and sympathetic manner, whilst ensuring we engage with our audience. Mehran was proactive with taking an idea and offering suggestions, storyboarding treatments ultimately producing work of the highest industry standards. I cannot recommend Mehran enough to any individual or organization looking to tell stories in effective, digital dynamic ways."

CONTACT
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