Film

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.

Film

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.

Author, Event, Film, Theater

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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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

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.

Hossein Martin Fazeli: A Cinematic Voice for Social Change

Interview with Nazila Ahmadi | A Journey of Resilience and Artistic Expression

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.