Docunight – September 4, 2019
The documentary Finding Farideh, directed by Azadeh Moussavi and Kourush Ataee, was screened on September 4th. Finding Farideh is a feature-length documentary about an Iranian girl named Farideh, who had been abandoned in a holy shrine in Iran when she was 6 months old in 1976, was subsequently adopted by a Dutch couple, and then left Iran for the Netherlands to start her new life. Now, she overcomes her fears and travels to Iran for the first time to meet three families who claim to be her biological family. This movie is Iran’s entry for the international feature film category in the 92nd Academy Awards (the Oscars) in 2020. After the movie, an audience discussion was moderated by Ali Khorsandian.
Jong-e Farhangi – September 13, 2019
In the first section of September’s Jong, host Reza Khabazian talked about Ashayer tribal culture with an emphasis on the Ghashghai tribe in Fars province. In the second section, Mehrnoosh Mazareie spoke about her book Madam X and read some sections of the book. At the end, there was a Q&A session.
Movie and Discussion Series – September 2019
The September movie selection was Nahid (2013), about a single mother who tries to mend broken pieces of her former life as she is now involved in a new relationship with a man. She can only keep her child if she does not get married. Directed by Ida Panahandeh and co-written by Arsalan Amiri, the movie stars Sareh Bayat, Pezhman Bazeghi, and Navid Mohamadzadeh. After the screening, host Rana Salimi facilitated a discussion on the different aspects of the film with attendants.
Setar Concert – September 21, 2019
“Sublime Sound of Setar” was the title of a concert performed by Kourosh Taghavi, which was held at the Iranian American Center (IAC). Taghavi performed some traditional pieces in different Persian dastgah. This concert was a sold-out event.
Persian Fall Festival at the SDMA with Reza Rohani and Sara Naeini: October 5, 2019
On the third anniversary of this artistic achievement, the museum and PCC organized a magnificent festival during which Reza Rohani and Sara Naeini, along with their full band performed at the Museum Hall. A complete report of this event is presented on page 17 of the English section.
Docunight – October 2, 2019
The documentary Broker, directed by Azadi Rezaeian Moghadam, was screened on October 2 at the IAC. This documentary is about a traditional Iranian dating agency, whose manager, Mrs. Sadri, and her female employees are determined to find their clients husbands — regardless of their personal feelings or preferences. After the movie, an audience discussion was moderated by Ali Khorsandian.
Jong-e Farhangi – October 11, 2019
October Jong was hosted by Ali Sadr. The first guest of this event was Dr. Ladan Akbarnia, who has started her new role as the curator of the South Asian and Islamic Art section of the San Diego Museum of Art. Dr. Akbarnia discussed displaying Iran in the context of a global museum and presented some slides from different museums. Joshua Charney, the second guest of this event, spoke and presented slides about the Shiraz Art Festival before the revolution. At the end of the event, the audience engaged in a Q&A with the guests.
Family Game Night – October 25, 2019
On October 25, a good number of people of all ages got together and enjoyed a family night of playing traditional games, singing karaoke, and eating great food at the IAC.
PCC’s Board Meetings
The PCC’s board of directors holds its meetings every second Wednesday of the month at IAC. The last two meetings took place on September 12 and October 9, 2019.
Art Gallery: A Dream of Humanity– August 17 through October 31, 2019
In cooperation with UC San Diego’s Division of Arts and Humanities, a collection of Reza Deghati’s works was shown at the PCC from August 17 through October 30. This gallery is presented by Gallery Yellow.
