Film
A New Film Investigates How the CIA and MI6 Destroyed Iranian Democracy
During a time of heightened tensions between the US and Iran, the documentary Coup 53 reminds viewers of the origins of the conflict.
Iran
In Brief
Artists Withdraw From Iranian Festivals After Country Admits to Downing of Ukrainian Plane
Visual artists, filmmakers, and musicians are withdrawing from the Fajr festivals in solidarity with protesters and those mourning the loss of loved ones involved in the crash, which killed all 176 passengers on board.
Art
In the War of Memes, Iran Is Trouncing the United States
Donald Trump's embarrassingly lo-res tweet of an American flag encapsulates how Iranians have been dominating the social media game during the recent tensions.
Art
Targeting Iran’s Cultural Heritage Means Targeting Human Beings
Targeting Iranian cultural heritage is first and foremost bad because of the devastating effects it would have on Iranians. We in the rest of the world may feel a real loss, but that is secondary at best.
News
Trump Walks Back His Threats to Strike Iran's Cultural Sites
Meanwhile, leaders of cultural institutions have condemned the president's threats, and Iranians responded with a hashtag campaign celebrating their country's cultural treasures.
News
Trump Reiterates Threat to Iranian Cultural Sites
According to the New York Times, Trump has reiterated his threat against cultural sites in Iran. Even such a move would widely be seen as a war crime, the president argued on Sunday night: “They’re allowed to kill our people. They’re allowed to torture and maim our people. They’re allowed to use roa
News
Trump Threatens War Crimes on Iran in New Tweet About Cultural Sites
After the assassination of Iranian major general Soleimani, a new tweet by the US President suggests more ominous actions on the horizon.
Film
Filmfarsi Explores a Generation's Worth of Iranian Cinema
Ehsan Khoshbakht’s archival documentary explores the sensational, long-forgotten Filmfarsi genre, unjustly targeted by those it represented and buried under decades of VHS tape.
Art
Imagining Skyscrapers in Iran's Ancient Architecture
Artist Mohammad Hassan Forouzanfar plants skyscrapers in the country's ancient cities and villages in a surreal and spectacular new project.
News
In Letter from Prison, Iranian-American Art Dealer Details Charges Against Him
Karan Vafadari says the Iranian government convicted him of crimes including "collusion in plots against national security" and possession of 124 "inappropriate" CDs.
News
Tehran Gallerist Couple Sentenced to 27 and 16 Years in Prison
Karan Vafadari and Afarin Nayssari were sentenced earlier this month, though what crimes they had been charged with remain unknown.
In Brief
Tehran Gallerists Charged with Trying to Overthrow Iranian Government
Karan Vafadari and Afarin Nayssari, the founders of Aun Gallery, have been held in prison without recourse to legal counsel for over eight months.