“Farah Pahlavi: Queen of Art and Culture”
Farah Pahlavi played a significant role in developing the art scene in Iran during the 1960s and 1970s.
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.
Interview with Daryoush Gharahzad | The Urban Chronicles of an Iranian Visionary
In contemporary art's diverse and expansive landscape, Mehrshad Khalili emerges as a creative force and a philosophical enquirer, delving into the essence of our interconnected existence. Born in 1993 in Mashhad, Iran, Khalili's artistic voyage began under the wing of Gilda Ehsan, who not only taught him the technique and how to see the world through an artist's eyes.
Farhad Moshiri: A Legacy of Art and Cultural Fusion
Farhad Moshiri, born in 1963 in Shiraz, Iran, and passed away on July 16, 2024, stands as a towering figure in contemporary Iranian art. Renowned for his unique fusion of traditional Persian aesthetics with modern pop art elements, Moshiri's work reflects a nuanced commentary on cultural identity, consumerism, and globalization. His journey from the historic city of Shiraz to the art hubs of Los Angeles and back to Tehran encapsulates a life lived at the intersection of East and West, tradition and modernity.
Interview with Mehrshad Khalili: A Journey of Resilience and Artistic Exploration
In contemporary art's diverse and expansive landscape, Mehrshad Khalili emerges as a creative force and a philosophical enquirer, delving into the essence of our interconnected existence. Born in 1993 in Mashhad, Iran, Khalili's artistic voyage began under the wing of Gilda Ehsan, who not only taught him the technique and how to see the world through an artist's eyes.
The Resonance of Tradition and Innovation: HOMAYOUN SHAJARIAN and ANOUSHIRAVAN ROHANI
On the exclusive evenings of May 11th and 12th, 2024, the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was not just a venue but a gateway to a realm of musical enchantment. The performances by Homayoun Shajarian and Anoushiravan Rohani, accompanied by the Siavash Group, were not just part of a global tour but a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the audience to witness the enduring charm and evolving nature of Iranian music up close.