Whispers from Iran
A partnership between Lived Perspectives and the Southampton Persian Cultural Centre, showcasing the work of independent Iranian filmmakers.
Our next event is on Saturday 26th April.
Whispers from Iran returns to the Persian Cultural Centre for an evening of short films, live music and free food!
The films we’re screening are:
The Two Lives of Sepideh (2023) directed by Soha Niasti - UK PREMIER
Sepideh, physically scarred from her traumatic upbringing and now raising a young daughter of her own, visits her estranged mother suffering with Alzheimer's to see if she still remembers their years of pain and conflict. A thought-provoking and beautifully acted family drama about finding the strength to forgive.
Unjustified (2023) directed by Mohammad R. Khavari - UK PREMIER
In the midst of a heated confrontation with their professor, a young student attempts to defend a pregnant classmate with a well-intended but misjudged act. The harsh reprisal from the institution exposes injustices across wider Iranian society in this fascinating psychological study.
Eternal Recurrence of a Deep Sleep (2018) directed by Mohammad Moravej
A series of random incidents in the lives of cross-crossing strangers slowly reveals itself as an inescapable temporal web. Filmed in a single take, this dreamlike slice of life and death never fails to astonish festival audiences. Contains strong language.
Me, My Wife And Our Cow (2012) directed by Azadeh Moezzi
The daily struggles we face for our loved ones (human and bovine) are explored in this gorgeously animated tale.
Our screening events take place three or four times a year, predominantly in the Southampton Persian Cultural Centre (South of England). They combine several short films, food, live music and discussions for audiences which include members of the local Iranian community, those curious to learn more about Persian culture, and film lovers of any persuasion. There will also be occasions when screening events are held in other UK cities.
We welcome short film submissions from any genre including drama, documentary, comedy, fantasy, action - the unifying theme being that they are all rooted in lived experience and address contemporary social issues. They can be films which have previously been screened in Iran, they may be escaping state censorship to reach wider audiences, or reflecting the experiences of Iranians living in diaspora.
The screening of each film is followed by the opportunity for the audience to discuss the issues raised. The maker of each film screened will then receive a brief summary of the post-screening discussion on how their film resonated with the audience.
At the end of each screening, the audience will be invited to select their favourite film. If audience votes are close, there can be joint winners or special mentions.
A fee waiver is available for filmmakers submitting from Iran. To apply for the waiver, please send a link to a screening copy of the submission with password to contact@livedperspectives.co.uk
Iranian filmmakers submitting from other countries who are able to conduct financial transactions with the UK are asked to pay a small submission fee. You will be helping us to finance future editions of Whispers from Iran and support other members of our communities
Book tickets for upcoming screenings at the Southampton Persian Cultural Centre:
Saturday 26th April, 7 to 10 pm
Saturday 28th June, 7 to 10 pm
Tickets are £5 (£2 for students).
