Project
“Understanding Persian Culture through Film”
NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema ) takes pride in announcing an education program for universities, institutions and individuals interested in understanding Persian culture through film. The program consists of an opportunity to see 24 dynamic narrative feature films, documentaries and shorts from Iran with an array of educational resources.
Introductions to the films by experts on Persian culture shed light into the cultural and historical nuances. Focusing on four key themes related to Persian culture and society each film relates to one or more of these four themes: Persian Film History; Ordinary People’s Experiences That are Culturally Specific and Universal; Contemporary Society as Seen in the City, and Women in Film and Society.
Educational resources, including a panel discussion by the experts discussing the themes and films in the program, enhance an understanding and appreciation of the films in the selection. There are essays, interviews, bibliographies and study guides.
The project is made possible through a grant to NETPAC/USA from the Roshan Heritage Cultural Institute, a non-profit organization which supports cultural and educational activities that bring to light the richness and diversity of Persian culture.
The panel discussion and introductions were filmed at Shangri La, Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art and the films are streamed on AsiaPacificFilms.com.
The films, introductions and symposium are available to stream for free for the general public until March 24, 2011. After that time, they are available on a subscription basis, except for universities supported by the Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute who have access to the films until March 24, 2012.
We invite you to share a response or a question after you see the films. The filmmakers have made their voice heard and seen. Now it ‘s your turn.
For more information, please contact Jeannette Hereniko, Project Director at jhereniko@gmail.com or call (808) 469-4630.
Jeannette Paulson Hereniko
Project Director, “Understanding Persian Culture Through Film”
President, NETPAC/USA and Board member, NETPAC
Symposium on February 26, 2011 at Shangri-La, A Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures sponsored by Roshan Cultural Heritage Foundation and co-sponsored by ShangriLa, Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art with Dr. Keveh Ehsani, Dr. Norma Claire Moruzzi, Alissa Simon, Mohammad Attebai and moderated by Dr Wimal Dissanayke.
