Persian stories on film

PhD student and documentary producer, Sanaz Fotouhi, has created Australia’s first Persian Film Festival to challenge cultural misconceptions.

The event promises to add a new dimension to Sydney’s annual festival scene by showing the diversity of filmic expression from the Persian world and beyond, showcasing films that have been written, produced or directed by those of Iranian, Afghan or Tajik descent.

Fotouhi, an Iranian-born PhD candidate in the School of the Arts and Media, is currently completing her thesis on post-revolutionary diasporic Iranian authors who write in English. She has produced documentaries in Iran and Afghanistan.

“Film is a wonderful medium to remind people of their common humanity,” she says. “The importance of this festival is to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about the term Persian. Iranian cinema has had a lot of publicity in recent years but Afghan and Tajik voices also need to be heard.”

Fotouhi believes Australian society still associates the term Persian with Orientalist visions of harems, protestors and veiled women.

“Audiences need to see the contemporary Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan - modern portrayals of these countries are rarely seen on an international level.”

Film Lecturer Dr Michelle Langford is a Festival judge and will take part in a panel discussion on Iranian cinema at the State Library of NSW.

"The Festival provides a timely moment of cultural reflection and appreciation amidst a climate of increased political tension," said Dr Langford.

The Persian International Film Festival runs from 23 -26 February at Dendy Opera Quays.

Media contact: Fran Strachan | 9385 8732 | 0429 416 070