Khak (1973): A Cinematic Adaptation of Mahmoud Dolatabadi’s Awsaneh Baba Sobhan Khak is a 1973 Iranian film directed and written by the acclaimed filmmaker Masoud Kimiai. Based on Mahmoud Dolatabadi’s novel Awsaneh Baba Sobhan, the film marked a significant cultural and artistic endeavor in Iranian cinema. Despite its remarkable cinematography and artistic achievements, the film stirred controversy due to its …

Parviz Shahriari: A Life Dedicated to Mathematics, Education, and Activism Parviz Shahriari (December 2, 1926 – May 12, 2012) was a mathematician, translator, educator, writer, journalist, and political activist whose legacy remains a cornerstone in the advancement of modern education in Iran. Over the course of his life, Shahriari became one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Iranian history, …

The Report (Gozaresh in Persian), directed and written by the renowned Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, is a poignant and introspective film that was released in 1977. Known for his minimalist style and profound exploration of human emotions, Kiarostami presents a layered narrative that delves into themes of personal morality, domestic tension, and societal pressures. The film stars Shohreh Aghdashloo in …

Vida Hajji Tabrizi (1935–1996) was one of the most influential Marxist figures of her time, remembered for her revolutionary spirit, political activism, and contribution to the global leftist movement. A woman of profound courage and conviction, Hajji’s life story reflects her commitment to justice, equality, and the fight against oppression. Her journey spanned continents, from Iran to Latin America and …

Mike and Jenny were waiting for me in the steaming snarl of traffic on Roosevelt Avenue. My younger brother and sister were on vacation from high school in the States and I was going awol from my job teaching English at an ESL Institute. I brandished the wad of cash I’d wrested from my lecherous boss, leapt into the VW …

Amir Rasaei (born 1321) is a prominent figure in Iranian pop music, known for his significant contributions to the genre before the 1957 Iranian Revolution. His life and career span multiple decades, during which he left an indelible mark on Iranian music, particularly in the pop and rock genres. Born in the Shemiran neighborhood of Tehran, Amir Rasaei’s early life …

In the early 40s, Shahram Shabpareh, a passionate musician with a vision for creating vibrant, genre-defying music, laid the foundation for what would later become an influential group known as The Rebels. The Rebels emerged at a time when Iran’s music scene was dominated by traditional melodies and classical Persian compositions. Shahram’s innovative spirit and his passion for modern music …

In the annals of military aviation history, few incidents are as striking and tragic as the betrayal of Captain Ahmad Moradi, a skilled Iranian pilot who defected to Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War. This act of treachery not only delivered one of Iran’s prized F-14 Tomcat fighter jets into the hands of its adversary but also ensnared his co-pilot, Captain …

Coffee Sorry, coffee lovers—but you might want to avoid chugging java right after waking up. Coffee, especially strong black coffee, can be tough on an empty stomach. That’s because the caffeine in coffee (and coffee in general) promotes the release of gastrin—the hormone that secretes stomach acid. This effect can lead to reflux symptoms, such as bloating, nausea, and regurgitation. …

The 10th annual Cyrus Film Festival in Toronto, Canada, wrapped up with a spectacular closing ceremony held on the night of October 14, 2024, at the Arta Art Gallery. This year’s festival, a remarkable milestone in the history of Iranian cinema, celebrated the depth, diversity, and artistry of Iranian filmmaking. The event not only provided a platform for filmmakers to …