London, New York and San Francisco Present “We Are One #iran Short Film Festival” Highlighting Iran’s Women’s Rights Advocacy
London, November 29, 2023
New York City, December 7, 2023
San Francisco, December 10, 2023
London, New York, and San Francisco unite in a ground-breaking collaboration for the “We Are One #iran Short Film Festival.” The international event brings attention to Iran’s Woman Life Freedom movement, as the latest chapter in an ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Iran.
The central theme, “We Are One #iran,” underscores the emerging unity through a diversity of voices against Iran’s compulsory hijab laws and other laws that impede women’s rights and development. Motivated by the poignant death of Jina Mahsa Amini and countless others seeking freedom and equal rights for women and men of all backgrounds, the festival seeks to intensify the call for rights during the 16 Days of Activism designed to help eliminate violence against women and girls on a global scale. The 16 Days span across the international days marking Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and Human Rights Day on December 10th.
Following Persia Educational Foundation and Film Buzz’s successful short film festival in June 2023, more than 1,100 short films in 15 languages from 90 countries were received. Between 29 November and 29 December, a selection of 100 nominations will be available for global viewing through a dedicated vimeo platform, offering some of the most creative expressions around repression, resilience, and faith experienced by Iranian women of this generation.
Key Dates & Venues:
- London Festival: Global launch takes place on November 29 at 6 pm GMT at the Courtauld Institute. This in-person viewing, panel discussion & drinks reception will be complemented by a global livestream through Persia Educational Foundation’s Facebook account at: @persia.education.
- NYC Festival: Organised by The Bridge and Tunnel, the event is being held on December 7 at The New School, 7-9 pm EST. Featuring 7-10 short films followed by an expert panel discussion.
- San Francisco Festival: Organised by Diaspora Arts Connection, the event unfolds on December 10, featuring 7-10 short films.
- Online Screenings: A selection of 100 films will be available on Vimeo from November 29 to December 10.
- Announcement of Winners: Winners in ten categories selected by an independent panel of judges will be announced on 24 January 2024, the International Day of Education
Tickets to the global launch are available via Eventbrite.
Honouring the lives of Mahsa Jina Amini and other young Iranian victims, all proceeds from the sale of tickets go to Persia Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund to support Iranian-descent students studying at UK universities.
Collaborators & Sponsors: Persia Educational Foundation, The Courtauld Institute of Art, Kayhan Life and Film Buzz Festival in London, The Bridge and Tunnel, The New School’s New University in Exile Consortium in New York, and Diaspora Arts Connection in San Francisco.
For Press Queries:
London: Jesse Cooper, Festival Director & Tahirih Danesh, Executive Director, please email [email protected]
