PCC’s Board Meetings
Persian Cultural Center’s board of directors holds its meetings every second Wednesday of the month virtually, via Zoom. The last two meetings took place on September 13 and October 11, 2023.
Film & Discussion Series – August 2023
The San Diego Film and Discussion Group held its 100th program on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the Iranian American Center and virtually by Zoom, too. This special program started with a discussion about the group’s formation and history, the selection of films previously shown, virtual programs during the pandemic, special programs such as “Filmoween” and the “Karestan Film Festival,” and film screenings when directors and artists were able to attend.
Then guest speakers Mahmoud Behrouzian, Fardin Saheb Zamani, and Rana Salimi were welcomed to the stage to discuss the evening’s topic: “film, individual and social effects, and the importance of discussion about film.” During the conversation, short video clips of previous guests of the program—including Brian Hu, Bahar Davari, Alexis Doran, Hadi Chapardar, Tanya Ahmadi, Tanya Mohammad Sadegh, Peter Maxwell and Mohammad Pooya, Alireza Akhavan, and Maziar Qalami—were shown. At the end of the program, a film contest was held among the audience; Mr. Reza Kohbadi won and received a prize.
In the final part of the program, the participants were treated to a reception. The members of the Film and Discussion group are Soudabah Rahmankhah, Rana Salimi, Ali Pirouzian, Marjan Hazegh, Milad Jahadi, Sara Alaghehband, and Mahmoud Reza Pirouzian.
Mehrdad Samimi Art Exhibition – September 9 – October 6, 2023
Iranian American Center hosted an art exhibition for Mehrdad Samimi, a renowned painter from the Bay Area from September 9 to October 6. On the opening night, many art enthusiasts gathered at the Center and met with the artist. During this period, several other events took place at the Center and the audiences enjoyed the works of art.
A Poet and a Poem – September 20, 2023
In a virtual event, the biography and poems of “Amir Mu’izzi” were presented by the Poetry and Literature Group. Poems were recited by young students of ISSD and other attendees.
Jong e Farhangi – September 22, 2023
Jong e Farhangi is a cultural variety show that usually takes place on the second or third Friday of the month at the Iranian American Center. The September program was a panel discussion regarding “Voices of Iranian Women.” The panelists were Maliheh Moradi (singer), Mina Deris (singer), Ehsan Matoori (musician and composer), Kourosh Taghavi (musician and composer), and Ali Sadr (moderator). The program was performed in front of a live audience as well as virtually by Zoon. Maliheh Moradi and Mina Deris, who have recently left Iran, spoke extensively about endless obstacles for women singers in Iran. The other panelists discussed the permanent damage that these discriminations have caused to the music of Iran. The program continued with a question-and-answer session.
Film & Discussion Series – September 2023
The Film & Discussion program for September was devoted to “Ali: Fear Eats the Soul” (1974), directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Guest speaker Mr. Hadi Chapardar (writer & film critic) reviewed the film and answered attendees’ questions. The program host and moderator was Mahmoud Reza Pirouzian.
Persian Fall Festival “Mehregan” – October 7, 2023
The seventh annual joint celebration of Mehregan with San Diego Museum of Art took place at the museum’s Copley Auditorium on Saturday, October 7, 2023. All proceeds from this event were allocated in support of the Iranian Arts section of the museum. Supporters and guests first visited the Iranian Arts section with new additions and then assembled at the auditorium to enjoy a concert by “Voices Unveiled” Ensemble.
Hafez Day at the San Diego Central Library – October 12, 2023
The 4th annual Hafez Day celebration took place on the evening of Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the San Diego Central Library. This was the day to celebrate the life and work of Hafez, the most famous Persian poet. The program was organized by the San Diego Public Library’s Central Library, San Diego Poetry Annual, and Persian Cultural Center. The program started with beautiful Persian music performed by the duet of Kouosh Taghavi on setar and Pejman Haddadi on percussion, and continued with several local poets reciting Hafez poetry.
A Poet and A Poem – October 18, 2023
The twenty-fifth session of “A Poet and a Poem” was held on October 18. In this virtual session, the biography and the poems of “Azraqi Heravi” were presented by the Poetry and Literature Group, with the collaboration of a few young students.
Youth Committee – September-December, 2023
The Youth Committee held their September meeting on Sunday, September 3, 2023. The group welcomed several new members while they prepared the ISSD student folders for the upcoming academic year. The new executive members were also elected during this meeting.
The Youth Committee is planning a family night for November 3, with a fundraising drive to raise donations to help abandoned animals in shelters, as well as having everyone come together and socialize. The members are also coordinating several other events such as food drives on the 5th and 10th of November 2023, as well as a toy drive in December to help the less fortunate enjoy the spirit of Christmas with the ones they love. In addition, there will be several fundraising collaborations with local restaurants.
Please check the PCC website and social media accounts for future events and announcements.
Film & Discussion Series – October 2023
The Film & Discussion program for October was devoted to “Golden Time” (2019), directed by Pouria Kakavand. The movie was screened in front of a live audience at the Iranian American Center. Movie lovers were also able to join via Zoom and participate during the discussion. “Golden Time” consists of twelve episodes, each representing a sunset (the “golden time”) per month of the year.
