Film Archives - ZH Magazine

May 2, 2025

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.

March 3, 2025

Animation, Film, Illustration

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

October 22, 2024

Film, Interview, Theater, Video

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.

September 11, 2024

Film, Interview, Theater

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.

October 15, 2023

Film, Video

Timeless Narratives: Remembering Dariush Mehrjui’s Cinematic Legacy Amidst Tragedy

A journey through his cinematic genius, cultural impacts, and the tragedy that ended an era of visionary storytelling.

August 22, 2023

Film, Photography

Mania Akbari: The Night

Mania Akbari, a prolific Iranian filmmaker, artist, and actress, is celebrated for her innovative approach to themes such as women's rights, marriage dynamics, and sexual identity. Her artistic style finds its roots in visual arts and her life story, creating a captivating blend of the personal and the political. Notably, her battle with breast cancer in 2007 left an indelible mark on her creations, permeating her films and art with a profound exploration of this experience.

The Power of Women’s Voices: Maryam Farahzadi’s Art and Filmmaking in the Face of Oppression

Maryam is an Iranian filmmaker and artist currently based in Los Angeles. Her journey as a filmmaker and artist began

November 9, 2021

Film, Photography, Theater, Video

Mitra Tabrizian

Mitra Tabrizian is an Iranian-British artist and filmmaker. Her photographic work has been exhibited and published widely and is represented

November 5, 2021

Celebrity, Film, Painting, Theater, Video

Iran Darroudi

Iran Darroudi (September 1936 – 29 October 2021) was a revered Iranian painter, director, writer, art critic, and university professor. Her art consists of surreal paintings dealing with Iranian-themed imagery and intense lighting.

August 3, 2021

Contemporary Theater, Film, Interview, Performance, Theater

Interview with Shiva Negar

Shiva is Iranian-Canadian Actress, Model, Producer, and Influencer who rose to prominence starring Annika Ogden in CBS Films/Lionsgate Blockbuster Movie

CategoryFilm