A Fragrant Conversation with the Founders of House of Dastan
Interview by Ali Shahrakhi, ZH Magazine In an era where luxury is too often reduced to surface and spectacle, House
Maedeh Tafvizi
Maedeh Tafvizi is an Iranian-born ceramic artist, educator, and material researcher whose interdisciplinary practice explores the intersections of grief, ritual, and spatial memory through clay. Raised in Isfahan, she draws inspiration from Persian architecture, Islamic ornamentation, and ancestral weaving practices to reimagine traditional motifs—such as Zillo tapestry patterns—into sculptural forms using both ancient techniques like Egyptian paste and contemporary tools like 3D clay printing.
Behzad Bolour | The Last Nomad of Persian Sound
If there’s ever been a voice that roamed across the deserts of exile, the alleyways of underground concerts, and the faded ruins of lost Persian empires—and brought them all into your headphones with a velvet force—it’s Behzad Bolour.
Jafar Panahi Cannes 2025: A Defiant Victory at the Heart of Global Cinema
Jafar Panahi, the renowned Iranian filmmaker, has won the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2025 for his powerful film It Was Just an Accident. This historic win at Cannes 2025 marks a new chapter in Panahi’s career as a symbol of resistance in Iranian cinema.
The Mahsa Festival a Cultural Stand for Freedom Through Storytelling
Mahsa Festival Honors Artistic Resistance with Final Ceremony in Costa Mesa On April 19, 2025, the final award ceremony of the Mahsa Festival took place at The Palazzo by Khoshbin in Costa Mesa, California. Organized by the Institute of Voices for Liberty (iVOL) and directed by actor and activist Hamid Farrokhnezhad, the festival spotlighted playwriting and screenwriting as tools for artistic resistance and the defense of free expression.
In the Shadow of the Cypress | A Triumph for Iranian Animation at the Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards marked a historic moment for Iranian cinema as In the Shadow of the Cypress, directed by
Parastoo Ahmadi: The Voice of Courage and Change
Parastoo Ahmadi, a 27-year-old Iranian singer and filmmaker, has emerged as a powerful symbol of resilience and artistic defiance. With roots in Noshahr, Iran, and a degree in cinema directing from Sooreh University, Parasto's creative journey has been intertwined with her pursuit of freedom and self-expression.
Mostafa Asadollahi: A Legacy of Minimalist Innovation and Cultural Heritage in Iranian Graphic Design
Mostafa Asadollahi (May 13, 1950 – October 9, 2024) was a distinguished Iranian graphic designer and painter, whose contributions left a profound impact on the evolution of modern Iranian graphic design. He was among the inaugural graduates of the University of Tehran’s Faculty of Fine Arts, where he specialized in Graphic Design—a distinct departure from his predecessors, many of whom transitioned into graphic design from a background in painting. His formal training in graphic design, along with his initial studies in painting at the Tehran School of Fine Arts, positioned him uniquely among his peers.
Hossein Martin Fazeli: A Cinematic Voice for Social Change
Hossein Martin Fazeli, a renowned filmmaker, educator, and activist, has dedicated his life to transforming the world through the power of film. Born in Iran during the tumultuous period of the 1979 revolution, Fazeli's early life was marked by the political turmoil and oppression that followed. This formative experience laid the groundwork for his commitment to social justice, which has been the driving force behind his illustrious career in both documentary and fictional filmmaking.
Interview with Nazila Ahmadi | A Journey of Resilience and Artistic Expression
Nazila Ahmadi, an Iranian Afghan actress, filmmaker, and performance artist, embodies the spirit of perseverance and the power of creative expression. Her life’s journey, marked by migration, struggle, and determination, has shaped her into a powerful voice in the world of art. Today, Nazila’s work is a testament to her resilience and a celebration of her Afghan heritage, as she navigates the complexities of identity, displacement, and artistic freedom.