Nasser Taghvai: The Quiet Maverick of Iranian Cinema
A tribute to Nasser Taghvai, the pioneering Iranian filmmaker whose poetic realism and cultural insight shaped a generation — from My Uncle Napoleon to Captain Khorshid.
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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.
Continue ReadingThe 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.
Continue ReadingIn 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
Continue ReadingHossein 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.
Continue ReadingInterview 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.
Continue ReadingTimeless 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.
Continue ReadingMania 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.
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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
Mitra Tabrizian
Mitra Tabrizian is an Iranian-British artist and filmmaker. Her photographic work has been exhibited and published widely and is represented
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