Hooman Khalili, an artist, filmmaker, and former radio talk show host, is the first artist invited by Israel to create ‘Woman Life Freedom’ murals there.
Last week, he unveiled his 18th and final mural at the First Station, in the heart of Jerusalem. This former Ottoman railway station operated between 1882 and 1982, and has been transformed into a vibrant entertainment and culture centre.
Khalili left Iran in 1974 at age three, accompanied by his mother. They found refuge in a Presbyterian church in San Francisco, where they converted to Christianity. Faith plays a central role in Khalili’s life.
For over fifteen years, Khalili served as the morning radio talk show host for Alice Radio 97.3 FM (CBS Radio), where he interviewed celebrities including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Donald Trump, Tom Hanks, Robert Downey Jr., Harrison Ford, Jerry Seinfeld, George Lucas, Maroon 5, and 50 Cent.
In 2011, he directed “Olive,” a feature film shot entirely with a cellphone. The film starred two-time Academy Award nominee Gena Rowlands, and Dolly Parton composed scores for it.
Kayhan Life interviewed Hooman Khalili shortly before his arrival in Israel to produce the murals.
